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Ruto plots to inherit Raila Coast votes as he tours region
President William Ruto addressing the Hindi area in Lamu County in this photo taken on 22nd May 2026.
President William Ruto's five-day tour in the Coast region has cemented his relationship with elected leaders across all political parties as they rally behind his 2027 re-election bid.
As he promises goodies to the residents, an alliance of governors and Members of Parliament from ODM, UDA, PAA and other parties in the Coast region is increasingly advancing President Ruto’s efforts to inherit the supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga, who died in October 2025.
In the last three days in the region, while launching different projects ranging from modern markets to last-mile electricity connection, the President received support from political leaders across six counties, promising to rally behind him as he seeks his re-election bid.
President Ruto is expected to use the influence of Coast governors, current MPs and prominent political leaders to secure massive support in the Coast region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The move has started becoming evident following major meetings held at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, Tana River, Kwale, Lamu and Kilifi counties, where various regional leaders gathered to receive the Head of State.
During a land title deed issuance ceremony for residents, Coast leaders displayed strong unity, signalling the beginning of a political strategy aimed at strengthening Kenya Kwanza’s influence in a region that has for a long time been considered an opposition stronghold.
The President, in his tour, laid the foundation stone for Lunga Lunga ESP markets at the Kenya/Tanzania border, as well as Mkuluni/Ganze ESP market, as the Government seeks to enhance trade in the area.
Earlier, he laid the foundation stone for Kinango ESP market in Kwale County, Commissioned and inspected Kizingitini fish market and the Hindi Market respectively in Lamu.
In what has been a busy tour of the Coast region, the president will wrap up his tour on Monday, where he will lay the foundation stone for Makupa Modern Market in Mombasa County.
Once completed, these markets are expected to serve as commercial hubs that will enhance trade between Counties, improve income for traders and farmers, while supporting growth in the micro, small and medium enterprises within the region.
On Thursday, May 21, Ruto promised the people of Mombasa a new Sh3 billion ferry to support the Likoni Ferry Crossing, which has been overwhelmed by demand.
Political analysts believe President Ruto intends to use leaders currently in office, together with former influential politicians from the region, to ensure he secures overwhelming support from Coast voters in 2027.
President Ruto is expected to use the influence of Coast governors, current MPs and prominent political leaders to secure massive support in the Coast region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho when he appeared before the National Assembly Delegated Legislation Committee at Bunge Tower on April 14, 2026.
Former Mombasa Governor and Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Hassan Joho has emerged as a key figure in efforts to unite Coast leaders under a new political cooperation.
Mr Joho, who for many years was one of the leading opposition figures in the Coast region, now appears to be working closely with President Ruto’s administration.
“It is the first time we are seeing governors and MPs from different political parties set aside their political differences and unite as one. Under my leadership, I am telling President Ruto to go campaign in other regions because here at the Coast we will campaign for him. We want him to sleep peacefully knowing the Coast region is behind him in the 2027 election,” said Mr Joho.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya have also been actively working to strengthen their positions in government after the next General Election by rallying support for President Ruto.
Mr Joho’s decision to position himself at the forefront of campaigning for President Ruto has sparked major political debate, with some leaders saying his influence could shift the political direction of the region.
“Mr Joho appears to be targeting the 2032 politics when President Ruto will have completed his constitutionally mandated two terms in office. Joho can achieve that ambition if he remains within government and possibly receives President Ruto’s backing,” said Ms Maimuna Mwidau, a political analyst from the Coast region.
In recent days, Mr Joho has been attending joint meetings with government leaders while calling for political unity in the Coast region.
Mr Joho has emerged as a key figure in efforts to unite Coast leaders under a new political cooperation.
For many years, Mr Joho has been one of the leading opposition figures in the Coast region, now appears to be working closely with President Ruto’s administration.
“It is the first time we are seeing governors and MPs from different political parties set aside their political differences and unite as one. Under my leadership, I am telling President Ruto to go campaign in other regions because here at the Coast we will campaign for him. We want him to sleep peacefully knowing the Coast region is behind him in the 2027 election,” said Mr Joho.
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