"By God's Grace I Will Be President" - Hassan Joho Opens Up on His Biggest Ambition

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho has spoken boldly about his dream to lead Kenya as president.

Speaking during a candid interview with Citizen TV's Rashid Abdalla on September 7, 2026, Joho said his ambition to become Head of State is still alive and he believes it will come to pass through ODM.

Rashid had pressed him on what his plan is for 2027, but Joho chose to talk about faith, ambition and personal growth. He told Rashid that just like he rose from his background to become one of Kenya's top TV anchors, he too has grown from Mombasa politics to national leadership because of ambition.

"I am from Mombasa, and your mother, who is my mother, used to work at the port. I know where you have come from," Joho said. He explained that Rashid could have stayed in Matuga and done a small business, but because he had ambition, he is now a household name.

Joho said that is the same spirit that drives him. According to him, a leader without ambition and vision should not be in leadership. He said all leadership comes from God and he is praying that one day Rashid will be the one to hang his portrait on the wall as former president.

"I pray that one day, Rashid, you will place my portrait there and call me President Hassan Ali Joho. I am confident it will happen," he said.

The former Mombasa Governor joined President William Ruto's Cabinet after the Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024 that led to a broad-based government. Since then, many have been watching his next political move.

Joho did not say if he will be on the ballot in 2027, leaving Kenyans guessing about his timing. His statement however comes at a time when opposition politics is taking shape, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua saying he is open to being Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's running mate in 2027 if Sifuna is chosen to face Ruto.