Joho urges Coast to register more voters to boost ODM's chances of securing DP slot

Addressing supporters in Mombasa and Kwale counties, the leaders, led by Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, said the Coast region was positioning itself in the emerging political realignment.

The leaders also indicated that the region is eyeing the Deputy President position as talks between ODM and UDA continue.

With a year to the 2027 General Election, ODM leaders from the Coast converged on Saturday to chart a political direction for the party and rally supporters across the coastal counties.

Led by Joho, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the leaders backed the broad-based government, arguing that it provides the best platform to advance the interests of the Coast region.

“We shall continue to support the broad-based government so that we continue to receive development programmes spearheaded by the national government,” Joho stated.

Nassir said ODM's decision to join the broad-based government was aimed at safeguarding the country's interests while ensuring that the views of Kenyans are taken into account.

“Sisi kama ODM tuliungana na broad-based ili kuokoa Kenya. Pale Naivasha, kwa kauli moja tulisikizana kuwe na heshima katika ndoa hii na pia tusikize wananchi,” Nassir stated.

Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Fikirini Jacobs said unity would be key to the region's political influence ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Umoja wetu ndio utakuwa nguvu yetu hapa mbele. Ruto anapigwa vita sababu amefungua milango kwa maeneo yaliyoteleezwa,” Jacobs stated.

The rally also provided the leaders with an opportunity to take aim at the Opposition, with Duale and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko accusing former President Uhuru Kenyatta of allegedly attempting to create divisions within the government by working with opposition figures.

The leaders also signalled a carefully calculated political strategy, announcing their intention to rally behind Joho for the position of Deputy President in the 2027 General Election.

Joho urged Coast residents to register as voters in large numbers, saying a strong voter base would strengthen the region's bargaining power in the formation of the next government.

“Also, to have a better chance to have a running mate, we must register in large numbers as voters. Safari hii tumuunge mkono Ruto,” Joho stated.

Meanwhile, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga joined her Migori counterpart Ochillo Ayacko in Migori Town, where they attended a women's celebration event that also doubled as a platform to rally political support and shape the region's agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.