Coast Leaders Rally Behind Ruto’s 2027 Re-election Bid

Mombasa leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have urged Coast residents to support President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027, saying his administration has delivered unprecedented development projects and government appointments to the region.

Speaking during a civic education forum at Ronald Ngala Grounds in Mombasa, the leaders said the region had benefited from infrastructure projects, appointments to senior government positions, and programmes aimed at addressing historical challenges such as land ownership.

The meeting brought together Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Blue Economy and Mining Hassan Ali Joho, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Fikirini Jacobs, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Senator Mohamed Faki, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Mvita MP Mohamed Machele, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, and Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba.

Leaders Cite Development Projects

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said President Ruto had demonstrated commitment to the Coast despite receiving only 44 per cent of the region’s vote in the 2022 General Election.

Mvurya said the government had restored key operations at the Port of Mombasa, appointed leaders from the Coast to senior government positions, and implemented development projects across the region.

He said six Principal Secretaries and more than 100 Coast residents currently serve on government boards.

“We have seen affordable housing projects, the dualling of the Jomvu-Mariakani Road, progress on the Dongo Kundu project and continued work on the Mombasa-Malindi highway. We have observed what the President has done for the Coast, and the best way to reward him is by giving him a second term,” said Mvurya.

The Cabinet Secretary also said the government had increased funding for the Coast land settlement programme from Sh5 billion in the previous financial year to Sh9 billion this year.

He announced that President Ruto is expected to return to the Coast within two months to issue more than 200,000 title deeds to residents.

Mvurya urged residents to reject ethnic and divisive politics and instead support leaders based on development.

Joho Defends Broad-Based Government

Blue Economy and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho urged residents to evaluate leaders based on their development record rather than political rhetoric.

Joho said his ministry had implemented several projects worth billions of shillings across the Coast, including the purchase of fishing boats and construction of fish landing sites.

“The government has released Sh820 million to purchase boats for fishermen. We have also acquired rescue boats worth Sh350 million and are constructing modern fish landing sites and fish markets,” he said.

He added that the government had allocated Sh275 million for a fish market project in Kisauni and Sh2.7 billion for the Shimoni Port project.

Joho said the government was implementing development projects across all regions without discrimination.

“For the first time in 60 years, village elders will receive a monthly stipend. Roads, housing, markets and other projects are being implemented across the country. Politics is about numbers, and the Coast must remain united,” he said.

Leaders Call for Voter Registration

Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir said the current administration had introduced monthly stipends for Community Health Promoters, who previously served as volunteers.

He also said level two and level three public health facilities had become more accessible under ongoing health reforms.

Nassir urged eligible residents to collect national identity cards and register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Senator Mohamed Faki echoed the call, saying the Coast region has the potential to register about four million voters if more young people obtain identity cards.

“We cannot influence the outcome of the next election if we do not register as voters. Every family should encourage young people who have attained the age of 18 years to collect their identity cards and register,” said Faki.

Mvita MP Mohamed Machele urged residents to ignore leaders spreading misinformation and divisive politics.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko praised the broad-based government for appointing leaders from the Coast to senior positions, including Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and National Land Commission Chairperson Dr Abdullahi Saggaf Alawy.

She said the appointments reflected the government’s commitment to regional and religious inclusivity.

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib and Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba also called on Coast residents to remain united and support President Ruto’s administration.