Coast leaders have rallied behind Mining Cabinet SecretaryvHassan Joho, endorsing him as the region’s political torchbearer and a natural successor to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The leaders say Joho has demonstrated the experience, influence and national outlook needed to unite the Coast and effectively articulate its interests on the national stage in the post-Raila era.

They argue that Joho’s political journey, spanning grassroots activism to national leadership, places him in a strong position to consolidate ODM support at the Coast while building bridges across the country.

The endorsement signals a possible realignment of regional politics, with Coast leaders keen to have a strong, home-grown kingpin to negotiate power and development at the national level.

Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has also openly thrown her weight behind Joho, calling on the Coast region to close ranks and claim its moment in national politics.

She said the Coast has consistently supported ODM and now deserves to produce the party’s top leadership, noting that Joho’s long-standing investment and loyalty to the party set him apart.

"As the people of the Coast, we now need to stand together. Coast has always supported ODM, and Joho has invested a lot in the party. It is now time that the focus and leadership of the party goes to Joho. Joho has all it takes,” Jumwa said.

She added that denying Joho the leadership would force the region to chart another political path, insisting, “We cannot champion Coast unity without a leader. We need a leader, and that leader is Joho. Let Baba’s inheritor come from the Coast, and that person is Hassan Joho.”

Kilifi North MP Ken Chonga echoed the sentiments, praising Joho’s central role in building ODM and urging him to step forward as the Coast’s chief negotiator in national politics.

Chonga said Joho’s contribution to the party is deeply embedded in its history and cannot be overlooked.

"You have played a big role in where ODM is today. The history of ODM will not be complete without your name. There is no one who builds a home and then leaves it to go to a neighbour,” Chonga said. “It is now your time, Joho. You must negotiate on our behalf as the people of the Coast region.”

Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu also voiced her support, urging Joho to embrace the leadership mantle without fear. She said the Coast region is firmly behind him and ready to follow his direction.

"We are now looking up to you. Let no one intimidate you. You have all it takes to be our leader, and we will follow what you tell us,” Mbeyu said.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi described Joho as a courageous and principled leader who has been mentored by Raila Odinga, saying he embodies the values of the ODM leader.

Mwinyi noted that Joho’s political bravery and loyalty to the party make him well-suited to guide the Coast in the next phase of national politics.

"Hassan Joho has proven to be a brave leader, and he is a good student of Raila Odinga,” Mwinyi said.

“Hassan Joho, you have the blessings of Raila Odinga. You are the only person Raila trusted enough to spend days sleeping at your house,” noted Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Jacob Fikirini.

Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko noted “Hassan Joho is not an outsider in ODM, he is one of the party’s founders who sacrificed his life, resources, and time to build it. The time has now come for ODM to return the favour.”

The leaders were speaking during a special celebration to mark Raila Odinga’s birthday held in Kilifi, an event that doubled as a show of unity and a strong political signal on the Coast’s expectations in the party’s future leadership.