Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has refuted claims that his decision to join President William Ruto’s
Cabinet was a betrayal of Kenyans.
Speaking during an interview with Obinna TV on Monday, Joho stated that his appointment offers him an opportunity to effect change from within the government.
“I don’t think we betrayed anybody. There are two options in politics: to hold the government accountable as the opposition does or to create change from the inside. There is no betrayal; what matters is what we are able to do now because we have been given the opportunity,” Joho remarked.
The former Mombasa governor emphasized that his role in the government aligns with the interests of Kenyans, particularly in implementing parts of the Azimio la Umoja manifesto.
“So, there is no betrayal. What matters is what we are able to do now because we have been given the opportunity,” he added.
Joho added that his collaboration with President Ruto is not unprecedented, recalling their joint work during their time in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in 2007, where Ruto served as the party’s deputy leader.
Joho, once one of Ruto’s harshest critics, acknowledged the evolving nature of political dynamics and expressed respect for the President as his leader and boss.
“We have only one Kenya and one government at a time,” Joho stated, underscoring the need to focus on national progress rather than political divisions.
This shift marks a significant change in Joho’s stance, contrasting sharply with his earlier opposition to Ruto during the 2022 general elections.
Joho maintained that his decision is driven by a commitment to service rather than political allegiance, reiterating the importance of working collectively for Kenya’s development.
