Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro has challenged Raila Odinga to let former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho to succeed him as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader.

Mung’aro said that Joho has been loyal to the ODM Party and Raila, insisting that it was time for a politician from Coast region to lead one of the most popular parties in Kenya.

After declaring his interest in the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson job last month, behind the scenes activities have been going on with those interested in taking over the party leadership from Raila lobbying.

Raila himself has hinted at leaving party matters to the two deputy party leaders, Joho and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, with supremacy battles already emanating from different camps.

“The Coast residents have been very loyal to the ODM Party and our party leader Raila Odinga. It is now time for us to take the mantle as Raila heads to AUC. Raila is still our party leader until such a time he will announce otherwise and when that time comes, it will be Joho who will take charge of the party,” he said.

Mung’aro said that he will mobilize the region’s governors to accept and endorse Joho as the next party ODM supremo.

“As the chairman of Coast governors, I will rally all governors including those from the other parties to speak with one voice and support Joho to be the ODM Party leader,” he added.