Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders from Kenya’s coastal region has intensified campaigns for Mining Cabinet Secretary and former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho to serve as Deputy President in 2027. The move comes as ODM eyes a strategic positioning within Kenya’s broad-based government arrangement, ensuring that the party strengthens its influence in the upcoming election cycle.
The coastal leaders, who include ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, and Senator Stewart Madzayo, expressed confidence that the party is poised to sweep all elective positions in the 2027 general elections. Their endorsement of Joho signals a clear strategy to consolidate ODM’s foothold on the coast while preparing for a more prominent role at the national level.
Governor Nassir emphasized that under the coalition framework, ODM is entitled to stake a claim for the Deputy President position in 2027. “When it comes to the Deputy President position, we are not after it now but in 2027. Kindiki should not get worried because that position is his for now, but in 2027 Joho will take it in the broad-based arrangement,” Nassir stated, referring to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s current role.
Governor Mung’aro, meanwhile, highlighted that ODM is committed to supporting President William Ruto for a second term while cautioning the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against fielding candidates in Kilifi County. He underscored that ODM’s coastal stronghold must remain intact to strengthen the party’s negotiating power in the next government formation.
Joho himself has welcomed the endorsements, describing the Deputy President role as a stepping stone for a potential presidential bid in 2032. “In 2027 we are going to field candidates in all elective positions—from Governor, Senator, Women Representative, MP, to MCA—and where we have negotiations is at the Presidency. Those who are moving around trying to force themselves on our turf will get it tough,” he remarked. Joho also asserted that he enjoys a following across the country, suggesting that his political influence is not limited to the coastal region.
The endorsements have stirred political conversations across the country, with analysts suggesting that Joho’s coastal backing strengthens ODM’s bargaining position in national coalitions. Coastal Kenya has historically been a decisive region during general elections, and party leaders are aware that consolidating support in the area can translate into significant leverage at the national level.
ODM’s strategic approach mirrors the party’s long-standing efforts to balance regional and national interests within Kenya’s multiparty political framework. By promoting Joho, a seasoned politician with national recognition, the party aims to project unity and readiness for future political negotiations, particularly in coalition talks that are expected to intensify closer to 2027.
Political observers note that Joho’s positioning as a Deputy President candidate is also designed to appeal to younger voters, who are increasingly influential in determining electoral outcomes. The inclusion of leaders like PS Fikirini Jacobs in the campaign highlights the party’s focus on engaging youth and creative economy stakeholders, signaling a broader agenda that transcends traditional political calculations.
While Joho’s supporters are confident about his prospects, there are other political dynamics to consider. The 2027 elections will likely feature complex negotiations involving multiple parties, each seeking to maximize their influence at both county and national levels. The coastal leaders’ assertive campaign for Joho is therefore both a strategic assertion of regional strength and an early move in a high-stakes national political chess game.
In the broader political landscape, the endorsement also underscores the evolving nature of Kenya’s coalition politics, where parties continuously negotiate roles and positions to ensure representation and influence. ODM’s coastal faction is making it clear that the party’s claim to the Deputy President slot in 2027 is non-negotiable, signaling determination to play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s future political direction.
For Joho, this endorsement could mark a critical milestone in a political career that has spanned decades. His previous tenure as Mombasa Governor and current cabinet position have provided him with experience in both county governance and national administration, making him a formidable contender for a high-profile national role. The backing from prominent coastal leaders adds momentum to his political trajectory, reinforcing his status as a key figure within ODM and the wider political landscape.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections begins, all eyes will be on the coastal region and the strategies ODM employs to consolidate its influence. With leaders like Joho positioned for national prominence, the dynamics of Kenya’s upcoming elections are likely to be shaped significantly by decisions and endorsements made in this strategically important region.
The coastal leaders, who include ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, and Senator Stewart Madzayo, expressed confidence that the party is poised to sweep all elective positions in the 2027 general elections. Their endorsement of Joho signals a clear strategy to consolidate ODM’s foothold on the coast while preparing for a more prominent role at the national level.
Governor Nassir emphasized that under the coalition framework, ODM is entitled to stake a claim for the Deputy President position in 2027. “When it comes to the Deputy President position, we are not after it now but in 2027. Kindiki should not get worried because that position is his for now, but in 2027 Joho will take it in the broad-based arrangement,” Nassir stated, referring to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s current role.
Governor Mung’aro, meanwhile, highlighted that ODM is committed to supporting President William Ruto for a second term while cautioning the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against fielding candidates in Kilifi County. He underscored that ODM’s coastal stronghold must remain intact to strengthen the party’s negotiating power in the next government formation.
Joho himself has welcomed the endorsements, describing the Deputy President role as a stepping stone for a potential presidential bid in 2032. “In 2027 we are going to field candidates in all elective positions—from Governor, Senator, Women Representative, MP, to MCA—and where we have negotiations is at the Presidency. Those who are moving around trying to force themselves on our turf will get it tough,” he remarked. Joho also asserted that he enjoys a following across the country, suggesting that his political influence is not limited to the coastal region.
The endorsements have stirred political conversations across the country, with analysts suggesting that Joho’s coastal backing strengthens ODM’s bargaining position in national coalitions. Coastal Kenya has historically been a decisive region during general elections, and party leaders are aware that consolidating support in the area can translate into significant leverage at the national level.
ODM’s strategic approach mirrors the party’s long-standing efforts to balance regional and national interests within Kenya’s multiparty political framework. By promoting Joho, a seasoned politician with national recognition, the party aims to project unity and readiness for future political negotiations, particularly in coalition talks that are expected to intensify closer to 2027.
Political observers note that Joho’s positioning as a Deputy President candidate is also designed to appeal to younger voters, who are increasingly influential in determining electoral outcomes. The inclusion of leaders like PS Fikirini Jacobs in the campaign highlights the party’s focus on engaging youth and creative economy stakeholders, signaling a broader agenda that transcends traditional political calculations.
While Joho’s supporters are confident about his prospects, there are other political dynamics to consider. The 2027 elections will likely feature complex negotiations involving multiple parties, each seeking to maximize their influence at both county and national levels. The coastal leaders’ assertive campaign for Joho is therefore both a strategic assertion of regional strength and an early move in a high-stakes national political chess game.
In the broader political landscape, the endorsement also underscores the evolving nature of Kenya’s coalition politics, where parties continuously negotiate roles and positions to ensure representation and influence. ODM’s coastal faction is making it clear that the party’s claim to the Deputy President slot in 2027 is non-negotiable, signaling determination to play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s future political direction.
For Joho, this endorsement could mark a critical milestone in a political career that has spanned decades. His previous tenure as Mombasa Governor and current cabinet position have provided him with experience in both county governance and national administration, making him a formidable contender for a high-profile national role. The backing from prominent coastal leaders adds momentum to his political trajectory, reinforcing his status as a key figure within ODM and the wider political landscape.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections begins, all eyes will be on the coastal region and the strategies ODM employs to consolidate its influence. With leaders like Joho positioned for national prominence, the dynamics of Kenya’s upcoming elections are likely to be shaped significantly by decisions and endorsements made in this strategically important region.
