Why coast leaders want Hassan Ali Joho to be Ruto's running mate
Coast leaders have intensified calls for Ali Hassan Joho to be considered as President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, thrusting the Deputy President debate into sharper focus.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir on Sunday declared that the Coast region has resolved to back “one of our own” for the Deputy President slot under the Orange Democratic Movement banner, describing it as a winning formula the region will market nationally.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, speaking during an Iftar event for Mombasa United FC, echoed that position.
She openly backed Mr Joho for a top national role, saying the Coast deserves representation at the highest level of government.
Mr Joho, currently Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and a former two-term Mombasa governor, has been holding consultative meetings with Coast leaders — a move widely interpreted as early political positioning ahead of 2027 coalition negotiations.
National battle over DP slot
The Coast push is unfolding against a broader national contest over the Deputy President position.
Within ODM, Dr Oburu Oginga has publicly suggested the party should negotiate for the Deputy President post in any future coalition arrangement, signalling that the slot is up for discussion.
But allies of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have dismissed such claims. They are insisting the position is not available for bargaining and remains firmly aligned with President Ruto’s political base.
Prof Kindiki assumed office following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and his supporters argue that destabilising the current arrangement would be premature.
Early succession manoeuvres?
The emerging rhetoric reflects growing behind-the-scenes manoeuvres as political actors calculate regional arithmetic ahead of 2027.
For Coast leaders, backing CS Joho signals a demand for greater national influence. For ODM strategists, the Deputy President slot represents potential coalition leverage. For Kindiki’s allies, it is a matter of incumbency and continuity.
The race may not be official, but the messaging war has clearly begun.
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