Questions mount over Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho’s relationship with suspect linked to airport smuggling operation
NAIROBI — Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho finds himself at the center of mounting speculation following revelations that a man linked to a recent drug trafficking incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has close ties to the former Mombasa governor.
Mohamed Muamar, who was captured on CCTV allegedly assisting a foreign national to smuggle cocaine past airport security , has been identified in recent reports as having a longstanding association with Joho.
Sources claim that Joho personally supported Muamar financially to vie for a Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in Nairobi County during the last two elections, and that Muamar reportedly doubles as Joho’s driver and Personal Assistant when the Cabinet Secretary is in Nairobi.
The allegations have intensified public interest in the wider investigation into drug smuggling operations at Kenya’s main international gateway, which has been under increasing scrutiny for security lapses.
As of publication, neither Cabinet Secretary Joho nor his office has issued an official statement addressing the allegations or clarifying the nature of his relationship with Muamar.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has not publicly confirmed whether Joho is under investigation or if his name has emerged in the ongoing probe.
Pattern of Concern
JKIA has been repeatedly identified as a weak point in Kenya’s fight against international drug trafficking.
The airport has been the site of several high-profile drug busts in recent months, including the November 2024 conviction of businesswoman Joyce Akinyi and two accomplices in a transnational drug trafficking case.
The current case has raised fresh questions about how individuals with alleged political connections may be facilitating breaches in airport security protocols designed to prevent drug smuggling.
Security analysts have long warned that corruption and political interference pose significant challenges to law enforcement efforts at major transit points like JKIA.
Political Implications
For Joho, who has been serving as Cabinet Secretary since President William Ruto’s government came to power, the allegations represent a potential political liability.
A December 2024 survey by Politrack Africa ranked him as the top-performing Cabinet Secretary with a 67.3 percent approval rating , making any damage to his reputation potentially significant for the administration.
However, it is important to note that having an association with someone who becomes embroiled in criminal allegations does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing.
Political figures often have extensive networks of associates and supporters, and the mere fact of a connection does not imply involvement in or knowledge of any illegal activities.
What We Don’t Know
Several critical questions remain unanswered:
- Has law enforcement formally questioned Joho or requested information about his relationship with Muamar?
- What is the current status of Muamar — has he been arrested or charged?
- Is there any evidence linking Joho to the alleged drug trafficking operation beyond his reported association with Muamar?
- What was the extent and nature of Joho’s financial support for Muamar’s political aspirations?
The DCI has not responded to requests for comment on the scope of its investigation or whether it is examining Muamar’s political connections as part of the probe.
Broader Context
Kenya has faced longstanding accusations of being a transit point for international drug trafficking, particularly cocaine moving from South America to European and Asian markets. Anti-narcotics officials have repeatedly emphasized that dismantling these networks requires addressing not just street-level dealers but also the facilitators and enablers who exploit weaknesses in security systems.
As investigations continue, there are calls for transparency and thorough vetting of anyone who may have facilitated security breaches at JKIA, regardless of their political connections.
This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Note: The allegations reported in this article are based on recent media reports and have not been independently verified. Cabinet Secretary Joho has not been charged with any crime, and the presumption of innocence applies to all parties mentioned.
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