Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho (centre) with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro and Coast Parliamentary Group Chairman Danson Mwashako among other leaders during an event to celebrate Raila Odinga's 81st birthday in Kilifi on January 7, 2025.
A fresh political battle is looming within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho rallies Coast leaders to back his ambition for the national stage.
The CS, largely operating behind the scenes since the 2022 General Elections, organised an event on Wednesday framed as the late ODM leader Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday celebrations in Kikambala, Kilifi County. Dubbed The Coast Salute, the event quickly turned into a rally for his future political ambitions.
Political leaders who spoke at the event urged Mr Joho to either seek a top post within ODM or unite Coast leaders under a new party he would lead. Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the Coast deserves a bigger share in the party and asked Mr Joho to assert his authority.
“Finish up with these people and take the party. We don’t want half of it. We will not take A or B but the original party because we equally deserve it,” he said, comparing the situation to the 2007 split that saw ODM-Kenya break away under Kalonzo Musyoka.
Raila Odinga's former bodyguard Maurice Ogeta meets leaders including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime (centre) during an event to celebrate Odinga's 81st birthday in Kilifi on January 7, 2025.
ODM divisions
The push comes amid divisions in ODM, with some leaders backing President William Ruto’s second term in 2027, while others oppose the Kenya Kwanza government. Mr Joho, a former Mombasa governor and former ODM deputy party leader, is among those supporting Ruto.
Mr Mung’aro’s call was echoed by former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, who recently left UDA for the Coast-based Pamoja African Alliance (PAA). She said Mr Joho has the strongest chance of representing the Coast nationally and should replace Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as ODM party leader.
“If ODM cannot be given to CS Hassan Joho, we as coastal people must chart a different political path. Mr Joho, you have every right and what it takes to lead the party,” Ms Jumwa said.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho meeting Former Cabinet Secretary for Gender Aisha Jumwa during an event to celebrate Raila Odinga's 81st birthday in Kilifi on January 7, 2025.
Coast politicians also insist on securing the deputy presidency in 2027, hoping Mr Joho’s leadership will strengthen their negotiating position with President Ruto. In 2022, several regional leaders struck deals under the Kenya Kwanza coalition, securing plum government positions by virtue of party leadership.
The Wednesday event, which brought together governors, MPs, MCAs and grassroots organisers from across the six coastal counties, highlighted Mr Joho’s influence and consolidation of power.
“Our irreducible minimum is Deputy President, not in 2032 but in 2027. If ODM strikes any deal with President Ruto, the DP must come from the Coast,” said Garsen MP Ali Wario.
Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga added: “Whatever it takes, even if it means using force, CS Hassan Joho must be on that negotiating table.” Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu echoed the call, noting Mr Joho’s close partnership with the late Raila.
“Raila Odinga understood us and we understood him. He gave us what we wanted, and we gave him that in return. Now he is gone, we cannot be owned by anyone else,” said Kaloneni MP Paul Katana.
Although Mr Joho supports Ruto’s second term, he emphasised the Coast’s historic bond with Mr Odinga and expressed readiness to take over ODM leadership.
“We are ODM and ODM is us. Those who are willing to follow me should plan accordingly,” he said.
The leaders appealed for unity in the region to secure the Coast’s political interests. In past elections, ODM had successfully united Coast leaders, winning the majority of seats, but divisions in 2022 weakened its hold as some members supported Kenya Kwanza.
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