Political leaders from Kenya's Coast region have intensified calls for Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to be President William Ruto's running mate in the 2027 elections. Speaking at an Idd gathering in Mombasa, they stressed the need for religious and regional representation in top leadership. They claimed the Coast has long been sidelined.
ODM leaders from Kenya's Coast region have firmly stated that the region lacks clout without Hassan Joho, demanding greater representation in top government positions. At an Idd gathering in Mombasa, they framed their push as a strategy for balanced national leadership, not personal ambition. They complained that the Coast has long received only cabinet-level roles at best in senior leadership. “We have produced ministers before, but now we have a homegrown figure with national appeal. It is our duty to propel him forward,” said Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba. Likoni MP Mishi Mboko added: “Within ODM, we are told there will be talks. If UDA takes the presidency, ODM must take the second position, and that slot should go to the Coast.” She criticized what she called a self-deprecating attitude among some politicians doubting the region's readiness for a deputy president. Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi proposed religious balancing: “If the president is Christian, his deputy should be Muslim.” Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir recalled ODM's agreement with UDA for pre-2027 coalition talks, assuring supporters that their demand for the deputy presidency to go to ODM—specifically the Coast—remains unchanged. Joho did not directly address the current slot held by Prof Kithure Kindiki but spoke of his future presidential ambitions and longstanding loyalty to Raila Odinga and ODM roots.
