Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has publicly declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2032 while urging Kenyans to re-elect President William Ruto for a second term in 2027.

Speaking during the Likoni Constituency Economic Empowerment Forum on Saturday, Joho, who redefined old loyalties, endorsed President Ruto and called for national unity.

“Mimi nikiangalia siku za usoni, mimi ni siku moja nataka kuwa rais wa Kenya (When I look into the future, I see that one day I want to be the President of Kenya),” Joho said.

 “Iko siku nafaa kuwa rais. Nataka niwaombe, kwa sisi kupata njia ya kuunganisha Wakenya na kuleta usawa, tumuunge mkono Ruto 2027 (There is a day I meant to be president. For now, I want to ask you, for us to find a way to unite Kenyans and bring equality, let us Ruto in 2027)."

Joho added that supporting Ruto’s second term would set the stage for a more inclusive leadership, hinting at a future political alliance between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“Arudi term ya pili ashikane na Raila, waweke usawa. Ukifika 2032, rais wa Kenya atakuwa Hassan Ali Joho ("Let Ruto return for a second term and join hands with Raila to bring fairness. When 2032 comes, the President of Kenya will be Hassan Ali Joho),” he declared.

Joho defended his role in government, citing his intervention in resolving land disputes in Mtongwe as proof of his ability to deliver.

“As a CS, I called the county commissioner and ensured that people will not be chased away from their shambas. Let me ask you, would I have been able to do that if I was not a minister?” he asked.

Joho commended President Ruto’s track record, citing achievements under his administration such as the affordable housing programme, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and youth empowerment initiatives.

“There are two terms for Ruto,” he emphasised.

The former Mombasa governor also led the crowd in singing Ngoma Itambae by Susumila ft. Chikuzee, altering the lyrics in praise of Ruto: “Wakichoma wanachomeka kule, wacha Ruto atambae.”

He also criticised opposition leaders for failing to deliver when they were in power and questioned their current calls for change.

“Every one of them, whether deputy president, cabinet secretary, or attorney general, has been in government before,” Joho said. 

“If they didn’t deliver then, what new solutions can they possibly offer now?”