Ali Hassan Joho is the deputy leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and a former governor of Mombasa County. He is an outspoken politician who has no qualms about voicing his opinions. He is regarded as the coastal region’s political powerhouse.
In this write-up, we delve into the biography of Ali Hassan Joho, highlighting his political career, educational background , drug allegations and net worth
Hassan Joho Age and Place of Birth
The vocal politician was born on February 26, 1976 in the coastal region. He is 47 years old as of 2023.
Family background
In an interview with Churchill, the former governor disclosed that his father was still living, despite having lost his mother some time ago. According to him, his father is still fairly robust and used to work at the Kenya Ports Authority. He is the older of two sisters and one brother, Abubakar Joho.
Wife and Kids
The governor has four children by marriage to Madina Hassan Joho.
Educational Background
He went to Tom Mboya Primary School, but the lack of school fees caused a one-year interruption in his studies. After enrolling at Serani Secondary School, Joho pursued odd jobs to supplement his income when he was in Form 3. The Governor was employed at the port, where he carried bags on his back. After Somalia descended into civil war, he looked for other sources of income. He became an excellent salesman by helping them sell a variety of goods.
In an interview with Daniel Ndambuki, he revealed some information about his education and upbringing.
“Every time cargo arrived at the dock, I used to haul bulky sacks. I recall seeing Somalis who were importing goods into Kenya in this way, and I made a self-promise that I would never employment,” he said.
Joho also mentioned that his principal was understanding when he showed up at school looking scruffy:
“Previously, I worked after school. I once even came to an understanding with the principal that since I come from a different background than most of the other students here, you have to give me room to be able to accomplish things. Like, don’t judge me based just on my clothing; please understand if I occasionally appear unclean,” he disclosed.
He is reported to have attended Gretsa University in Thika after first attending Kampala University.
Scoring a D- Allegations
There were claims in 2017 that his academic credentials from both his secondary and university had been forged. According to reports, he did not receive a C+ in 1992 but rather a D- in the KCSE Examination in 1993. Given that a C+ is the minimal admission requirement for a degree, this brought attention to the degree he earned from Gretsa University.
Kuria Thuo, Gretsa’s vice chancellor, reportedly told Business Daily that the governor earned a degree in commerce in 2016. Just before the 2017 general elections, a number of cases were initiated against him in response to these allegations.
The state was prohibited by a High Court order in October 2017 from looking into and going after him for forging his academic credentials. The governor will be harassed, the judge declared, if the case proceeds. The authorities’ timing for starting an investigation against the governor was also criticized by the court.
The Governor came clean and acknowledged receiving a D- on the KCSE in 2020.