Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has cited health challenges to the reason he has been absent in the anti-government protests steered by the Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

The Orange democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader on Friday revealed that he stayed away from the anti-government protest because he underwent surgery that he said could not allow him to actively participate in the civil unrest, championed by his party leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking in Mombasa after Iddu lfitr prayers, Joho however said his heart is deeply embedded to the Azimio ideologies and that of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

"I went through  some surgery, I am recovering and that is the main reason why you have not seen me where you should see me but I want it to be known that I’m 100 percent fully subscribed to the ideologies of Azimio and that of Raila Amolo Odinga, Mimi ni ODM na ODM ni Mimi,."said Joho.

Joho regretted that he couldn't take part in the demonstration that are aimed at bringing down the cost of living.

He slammed the Kenya Kwanza government for it's continued rhetoric instead of delving on serious matters affecting the public.

"The reason why we are going on the streets is because life has become unbearable, people are suffering yet the government is playing politics, they should act as a government you can't keep on talking, you must act," said Joho.

Joho has been missing in action since the last general election where Azimio leader lost to Kenya Kwanza administration.