Joho says Coast region stands firmly behind Ruto’s leadership

Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Hassan Joho has praised President William Ruto’s development agenda, saying residents of the Coast region feel increasingly recognised and included in government projects.

Speaking in Taita Taveta, Joho said the government’s investments in different parts of the country had helped address what he described as long-standing feelings of marginalisation at the Coast.

Joho said residents across the region were supporting Ruto’s leadership, linking that support to what he described as the President’s attention to development projects outside traditional political strongholds.

“Mr. President, you have honored the people of the Coast region, raised our dignity, and restored our self-worth,” Joho said.

Joho cites development projects

The Cabinet Secretary pointed to government projects in different counties as evidence of what he described as a more balanced approach to development.

He cited stadium construction and market development, saying residents at the Coast could now see projects being implemented in their region alongside developments elsewhere in the country.

“The Coast is enlightened today—we see that when you build a stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet, you also build one in Voi, and when you construct a market in Kisumu, you build one in Kilifi,” he said.

Joho argued that such investments had contributed to a greater sense of inclusion among residents of the Coast.

Joho pledges Coast support

The former Mombasa governor also said residents of Taita Taveta and Mwatate were united in their support for the President.

He framed the relationship between the government and Coast residents as one based on what he described as mutual respect and recognition.

“Because you have respected us, we will respect you in return; because you have lifted us up, we will lift you up,” Joho said.

He specifically assured Ruto that residents in Taita Taveta and Mwatate remained supportive of his leadership.

“I want to assure you that here in Taita Taveta and across Mwatate, our community is fully united behind your leadership,” he added.

Joho’s remarks come as the government continues to highlight development projects across the country, while political leaders increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.