Mombasa leaders have closed ranks in defence of Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, declaring him fit for the Deputy President position while calling for unity across the Coast region.

Speaking during an Eid baraza held on Sunday in Mombasa, the leaders dismissed recent remarks by Hassan Omar Hassan, the EALA MP and UDA Secretary General, who last week questioned Joho’s suitability for the country’s second-highest office.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir led the onslaught, urging Coast residents to remain united and rally behind one of their own.

“Our unity as the people of the Coast region is our strength. When we say Hassan Joho is fit to be the Deputy President, we have proof and facts, he has been tested and proven,” Nassir said. “Our irreducible demand is that the seat of the Deputy President should come from ODM, and as the people of the Coast region, we say this seat should come to us.”

The governor cautioned leaders against undermining others, saying such behavior weakens the region’s political influence.

“Do not demean the dreams of others. Your light will not be brighter by diminishing the light of others,” he added.

EALA MP Suleiman Shahbal used a metaphor to emphasize Joho’s political weight, likening him to a lion ready for battle.

“You cannot take a cat to a fight, you only take a lion. And the lion from the Coast region is Hassan Joho,” Shahbal said.

Adding “We are not asking for favors. It is the numbers you bring to the table that will determine the next Deputy President.”

He criticized leaders from the region opposing Joho’s bid, terming such actions self-defeating.

“If you are from the Coast region and you are fighting your colleague, then you are not normal,” he said.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi called for tolerance and respect for individual ambitions.

“There is nothing wrong with someone following their dreams. Let’s stop acting like children. If you keep fighting everyone and demeaning them, then there is something wrong,” he said.

Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed reaffirmed her support for Joho, assuring him of political backing from the grassroots.

“To my brother Hassan Joho, count on our support. We are with you in this journey, and they will know that you have foot soldiers behind you. Those fighting you have no agenda,” she said.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko stressed the need for unity, warning that divisions would cost the region a chance at national leadership.

“If we are divided, then we are the ones to lose. Even our religion teaches us to be united,” she said. “It is very sad that someone from the Coast stands before people and claims that another from the region lacks capacity to be Deputy President.”

Mboko highlighted Joho’s political track record, noting his experience as a Member of Parliament, Assistant Minister, Governor, and now Cabinet Secretary.

“What other skills are we looking for? He understands our challenges jobs, land issues and how to address them. We need power, and we will get it through unity,” she added.

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba echoed similar sentiments, warning that internal divisions were undermining the region’s long-standing grievances of marginalization.

“We have been complaining about discrimination for a long time, but now it is turning out that we are enemies of our own,” he said. “Why fight someone who wants to climb to the position of Deputy President?”

Bedzimba noted that the Coast region has historically had limited representation in top national positions and said the moment should not be squandered.

“We now have a chance, and we should stand united. Let’s not justify those who say we cannot deliver,” he added.

On his part Mvita Mp Mohammed Machele also urged leaders to avoid internal conflicts and instead support Joho’s ambitions.

“Let’s not be our own enemies as the people of the Coast region. We have one of our own who has declared interest—why should someone from here fight him and support someone from elsewhere?” he posed.

The leaders maintained that the Coast region must consolidate its political voice ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that unity will be key in negotiating for top national positions.