President William Ruto (right) with Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho at State House, Nairobi, on November 19, 2024.
Political leaders from the Coast region have intensified calls for greater political representation at the highest levels of government, coalescing around their demand for Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to be President William Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
Speaking during the Eid Baraza in Mombasa, the leaders framed their push not just as a regional claim to power, but as part of a broader strategy of political balance in shaping the country’s leadership. They cited the need for religious and regional inclusivity in the national government.
Eid Baraza is an annual event held at the end of Ramadhan, bringing together political and religious leaders in Mombasa to reflect on the holy month with Muslim faithful. The function, which has been taking place since before devolution, has, however, always turned into a charged political forum.
Speakers lamented what they described as the Coast’s historical exclusion from top leadership, noting that the highest office the region has consistently held is that of Cabinet Secretary.
“We have produced ministers before, but now we have a son of the soil with national appeal. It’s our responsibility to push him forward,” Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba said, urging unity behind CS Joho.
Political negotiations
The argument was echoed across the board, with the ODM politicians insisting that political negotiations with President Ruto’s UDA ahead of the next election must translate into tangible power-sharing outcomes.
“Within ODM, we’re told that there will be talks. If UDA takes the presidency, then ODM must take the second-in-command, and that position should come to the Coast,” Likoni MP Mishi Mboko stated.
She criticised what she termed a defeatist narrative among some locals, who believe that the region is not politically mature enough to produce a deputy president.
“Why are we demeaning ourselves? Who will show this nation that we can lead, if not us?” she questioned.
The legislator added that it is only the Mining CS who has proven ability to fight for the Coast region’s interests in the national government if he gets decision-making authority.
President William Ruto with CS Hassan Joho and Salim Mvurya during the Third National Executive Retreat at KCB Leadership Centre in Kajiado County.
Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi proposed that Kenya should adopt an informal formula where the presidency and deputy presidency reflect the country’s religious diversity.
“If the President is a Christian, then the Deputy should be a Muslim,” he said, adding that the idea should start to be implemented in the next elections.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir reiterated his position that when ODM entered into the broad-based arrangement with UDA, they agreed to initiate coalition talks before 2027.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir speaks to the media in Mombasa on June 13, 2025.
The ODM deputy party leader termed their push for the deputy president position as an irreducible demand.
“Our irreducible demand is that the position of deputy president has to come from ODM. And as Coast leaders, we’re demanding that the running mate come from this region,” he said.
Mr Joho avoided declaring his stand on the position currently held by Prof Kithure Kindiki, who has the backing of UDA leaders to seek a second term. Instead, he stated his future presidential ambitions, framing his political journey as part of a broader vision of leadership rooted in people’s aspirations.
“I will not mislead you. I have the dream of one day becoming President of Kenya, and I believe God will make it possible,” he said.
Mr Joho also reaffirmed his long-standing loyalty to the late Raila Odinga and his deep roots within ODM, describing himself as a founding member who understands the party’s direction and future.
He dismissed government critics as selfish voices, urging supporters to stay focused on long-term goals.
Amid the political messaging, leaders also raised socio-economic concerns, including unemployment, land issues, and the need for greater inclusion in state appointments.
Businessman and politician Suleiman Shahbal called for less confrontational politics and more focus on economic revival.
Businessman Suleiman Shahbal addressing journalists in Mombasa at a past event.
“I often see many leaders offering incentives to the youth to start businesses. Not every young person can run a business. Many are looking for jobs. We must work together to grow our economy instead of waiting for the national government,” he said.
The push for Mr Joho to be Dr Ruto’s running mate has already caused division among Coast leaders. The UDA wing of the broad-based government in the region insists that the position has to be retained within their party.
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