Coast leaders affirm support for Ruto, condemn protests

President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga and other coastal leaders during the funeral of the father of Gideon Mungaro on June 25, 2025. /AMASON KINGI

A section of leaders from the coastal region have affirmed their strong support for President William Ruto, citing his development track record and commitment to uplifting communities across the country.

Speaking during the funeral of the late Mzee Gideon Baya Mung’aro, father of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, the leaders said that the region stands firmly behind the President and will support his re-election in the 2027 General Election.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said the head of state has remained committed to rolling out people-centered programmes that are positively transforming the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

Speaking at a public gathering, Kingi said Ruto’s development track record cannot be ignored, noting that his initiatives have directly touched wananchi.

“The kind of programmes President Ruto has introduced in Kenya are those that touch the hearts of ordinary citizens. Certainly, the enemy will tremble — hence, this war. Mr. President, stay the course, do not waver,” Kingi said.

He further urged Coast leaders to avoid political betrayal, cautioning them against abandoning the President in pursuit of short-term political favours.

“Let’s not spit out the chewing gum we've already enjoyed just because of being offered peanuts to taste. We know what it means to support William Ruto. We, the leaders from the Coast, stand firmly behind President Ruto because of his actions and the programmes that benefit the Coast region,” he added.

Kingi emphasised the need for unity and political consistency, reiterating that Coast leadership remains solidly behind Ruto due to his tangible efforts to uplift the region.

Kingi also warned against political betrayal, urging Coast leaders to remain focused.

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho also affirmed that Coast leaders remain united in their support for Ruto’s leadership.

Joho, speaking during a public address, reiterated the region's commitment to the head of state and emphasised that the Coast is not interested in political confrontations, but rather in development and future leadership.

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho. /HASSAN JOHO/X

“The Coast region is organising itself. We are not fighting other people’s battles. We fully support President Ruto with all our strength and resources. We also have aspirations—for the Coast to one day produce a President," Joho said.

 "We assure you, President Ruto, we are prepared and will push forward with you. We are firmly behind you.” 

Meanwhile, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya condemned the use of young people in violent protests, particularly in light of Wednesday’s demonstrations. 

He accused certain politicians of exploiting the youth for selfish interests.

“We are aware there are individuals using young people to cause chaos. The youth of this country should not be misled into violence, because those politicians inciting them have already achieved their personal goals,” Mvurya said.

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya and his Kilifi South counterpart Kenneth Chonga also affirmed the Coast region’s continued support for Ruto, pledging to stand with him as he seeks re-election in 2027.

Baya hailed Ruto as a longstanding ally of the Kilifi people, dismissing political noise surrounding his leadership.

“If there is a president who has been a friend to the people of Kilifi, it is William Ruto. We will not abandon William Ruto. Come 2027, we, the people of Kilifi, will remain with him even as others shout,” Baya said.

Chonga, on his part, used a common Swahili proverb to emphasise political caution and loyalty to Ruto, as tensions rise in the national political arena.

“Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t. The political season has began and people are fighting, but we in the Coast region have no quarrel with you, President Ruto,” Chonga said.

The President who was present at the event, reassured Coast residents of his administration’s commitment to development, particularly in land reforms and rural electrification projects aimed at uplifting marginalised areas.

The show of unity by Coast leaders comes amid growing national political tension and renewed youth-led protests across the country, particularly in urban areas.

The protests, largely driven by Gen Z and sparked by frustrations over economic challenges and governance issues, have seen increasing calls for accountability from political leaders and the police service which has in recent days been in the eye of a storm over alleged brutality.

As Ruto’s administration pushes forward with its development agenda, including affordable housing, land reforms, and infrastructure projects, the coastal leaders have strongly reaffirmed their support.

Their message seeks to solidify the region’s political alignment ahead of the 2027 General Election, even as other parts of the country witness rising dissent.