Elected leaders at the Coast allied to the Orange Democratic Movement have endorsed former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho for president in 2027.
The leaders said it was time the Coast region had one of their own in the race to become the sixth president of Kenya.
Speaking during a food distribution exercise for Muslims during the Holy Month of Ramadhan at Nidhamia Hall in Malindi, the leaders told Joho to soldier on with his agenda to be president saying he had their full backing as Coastal leaders.
The event was attended by over 10 legislators including senators, Women Reps and MPs from Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale counties.
They included vocal Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Kwale Senator Boy Juma Boy, Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, Kilifi Woman Rep Getrude Mbeyu, Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohamed, MPs Mishi Mboko, Rashid Benzimba (Kisauni), Harrison Kombe (Magarini) and Mvita MP Machele Mohamed.
Also present were a host of MCAs from Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties together with ODM Youth leader Fikirini Jacobs, among others.
Joho while accepting the endorsement said it’s time for him to become the party leader and will not step back until he becomes president.
Madzayo urged Coast residents to desist from being divided along political lines and remain united to make sure Joho becomes president.
He said if Raila goes to the African Union Commission, he should be succeeded by the former Mombasa Governor.
“Of all those who want to succeed Raila, no one matches Joho, no one. So, all of us as brothers let’s unite and ensure we support Joho,” he said.
Mnyazi told her constituents to allow her to accompany Joho on his countrywide presidential campaigns saying she is determined to see him win the top seat.
She said it’s time for Coastal leaders came together and showed full support for Joho’s presidential bid as he was the only leader to take the region to another level.
Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohamed and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko said the whole of Coast region was supporting Joho and asked all leaders to support his bid.
Kilifi Woman Rep Getrude Mbeyu said the former Mombasa Governor is qualified for the presidential seat.
“It’s only Joho who can defeat President Ruto, he does not fear anything and is the only one who previously took the former President Uhuru Kenyatta head-on in Mombasa,” she said.
Shela Ward MCA Twahir Abdulkharim urged all ODM leaders to support Joho saying he is the only one who with the muscle to defeat President Ruto at the 2027 polls.
Magarini MP Harrison Kombe said immediately ODM party leader Raila Odinga becomes the AU chair, Joho should take the mantle.
“If the country is one let’s shun tribalism, the ODM party leader is Joho,” he said.
ODM Youth leader Fikirini Jacobs from Kilifi County said it’s time for the Coast region to produce the president and urged all Coastal leaders to support Joho’s bid as he has fought hard to be where he is today.
