Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has declared unwavering support for President William Ruto’s leadership, pledging the loyalty of Coast region leaders until 2032. Joho made the assurance during a meeting hosted by President Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, which brought together Cabinet Secretaries and elected leaders from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Tana River, and Taita Taveta counties.
Joho emphasized that Coast leaders are committed to working with integrity and unity to uplift the lives of the people they serve. “We will do the work you have given us with integrity and honesty, and we will continue to unite our leaders so that we can move forward from now until 2027 and 2032 going forward,” he said.
In a firm tone, the former Mombasa governor stated that development was the top priority for the region, noting that anyone opposed to progress was on their own. “Those who do not want it, it’s up to them. For us, we want development,” he remarked.
Joho also highlighted a significant shift in the political landscape of the Coast, saying that Ruto’s presidency had catalyzed unity among the region’s leaders. He observed that in the past, Coast politics was marred by divisions, but that has changed as leaders now speak with one voice.
“This is the first time leaders from the Coast have united solidly under one leader. There have always been two conflicting sides, but I feel encouraged because today, they are issue-driven,” Joho noted. “When they sit, they discuss issues that affect the people they lead.”
President Ruto’s engagement with Coast leaders is seen as part of his broader strategy to consolidate support across all regions of Kenya. The President has emphasized the importance of regional integration in achieving national development goals.
Joho’s remarks mark a significant political shift, aligning a key regional bloc with the President’s long-term agenda, and potentially reshaping the dynamics of Coast politics ahead of the 2027 and 2032 general elections.
