Two Coastal Heavyweights Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and his counterpart Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa have come together in warming up to Ruto’s 2022 presidential candidature. The two have hinted at a possible coalition between the coastal region and Ruto’s Rift valley region.
Deputy President William Ruto visits to the coast seem to be changing the tide with supporters of Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and those of his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi now reading from different scripts. Lawmakers from Kilifi and Lamu counties have now endorsed Ruto’s candidature.
Led by the two, the leaders from Kilifi and Lamu have indicated that they are ready to form an alliance with DP Ruto for the 2022 polls. Speaking over the weekend at an event in aid of the Malindi Education Development (MEDA) foundation at Sai Eden Rock hotel, Kingi asked the coast politicians present to unite and produce a presidential candidate in 2022.
Kingi urged the coastal leaders to stop endorsing the DP but instead unite and then work for an alliance based on terms favorable for the region, away from the Coast’s culture of leaning on political parties without agreements.
“Stop endorsing the DP and focus on uniting the region, then sit down with him and agree on how to work together,” he told the leaders.
The governor is one of the political kingpins in the Coast region who have been fierce critics of the Jubilee regime and his abrupt turnaround has sent some shockwaves as it seems to have left out Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.
However, whereas Mr. Kingi seems to be casting his net towards Mr. Ruto’s side of the political divide, Mr. Joho made news of his own when he hosted Baringo Senator Gideon Moi as efforts to build alliances start in earnest ahead of 2022. Senator Moi is largely seen as the preferred candidate by President Kenyatta. \
On his part, DP Ruto told the politicians that he was ready to work with them.
“Organise yourselves and be faithful as I am well-prepared to take over the presidency after the expiry of Uhuru’s second term,” he said.