A section of leaders from Kenya’s Coastal region has endorsed Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho as their preferred candidate for Deputy President in the 2027 General Election.
The endorsement signals growing political mobilisation at the Coast as leaders position the region for a stronger role in national leadership ahead of the next polls.
Among those backing Joho is Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, who argued that having a Deputy President from the Coast would enhance regional representation and ensure local concerns are prioritised at the national level.
Abdullswamad outlined Joho’s political journey and experience in leadership, emphasizing his service record in various capacities.
“Hassan Ali Joho has served as a Member of Parliament and later as a Governor. He has been the deputy party leader of ODM, and he is now a Cabinet Secretary.
“There is no better candidate for the position of Deputy President in 2027 than Hassan Joho. I am speaking on behalf of the ODM party,” he said.
Kilifi Woman Representative Getrude Mbeyu said Coast leaders are united in pushing for Joho’s candidature, urging national political formations to recognise the region’s collective stand.
Mvita MP Mohamed Machele emphasised that the Coast has long sought equitable representation in top leadership and described the endorsement as a strategic step toward securing that goal.
Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed said Joho’s political experience and understanding of regional issues such as land and economic empowerment make him a strong candidate for the position.
Joho, a former Mombasa governor and senior figure within the Orange Democratic Movement, acknowledged the support and indicated he is carefully weighing his political path ahead of 2027.
The endorsement comes amid early coalition discussions and shifting alliances as parties begin laying groundwork for the next general election, with negotiations expected to intensify in the coming months.
Political observers note that the Coast region remains a significant voting bloc, and leaders are keen to translate that numerical strength into bargaining power in national coalition arrangements.
While formal campaign timelines are still distant, the backing of Joho underscores the start of high-stakes positioning as contenders seek to secure influential slots on presidential tickets.
Notably, this comes weeks after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku fired back at Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga over remarks that the ODM Party has its eyes on the Deputy President’s seat.
Speaking on Thursday, February 12, Ruku defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, insisting that the position is occupied and not up for political negotiations.
The Cabinet Secretary made it clear that any such opportunity would only arise in the future and when Kindiki is the president.
“Prof. Kithure Kindiki is the current Deputy President of Kenya. He will continue serving as Kenya’s Deputy President from 2027 to 2032.
“If ODM wants the Deputy President’s seat, we are ready to give them that position in 2032 when Kithure Kindiki becomes President. But for now, the seat is not vacant,” he said.
The stance came days after Oburu clarified the ODM Party’s position on the Deputy President seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Wednesday, February 11, he said the seat remains a key target for the Orange Democratic Movement.
Oburu addressed claims that his earlier remarks had been misunderstood regarding ODM’s interest in the position and the current office holder.
“There was something that people misinterpreted. They claimed that I said that ODM does not want the DP seat, but that’s the position we have our eyes on. What I said is that we do not have a personal grudge or issue with Kindiki, but that seat is a public position,” he said.
