The Coast region has been a political stronghold for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for many years. Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has reaffirmed that the bond between Raila and the coastal people is deeply rooted in history and is difficult to break.
Speaking during an Iftar dinner hosted by Raila, Joho highlighted the long-standing relationship between the former premier and the people of the Coast. He noted that their connection is not just political but also historical and cultural.
“People sometimes ask me why the people of Coast love Baba (Raila), and it is because there is a serious historical background of our relations that not everybody can understand,” Joho stated.
He further emphasized that any attempts to sever this bond would be futile. According to Joho, the people of the Coast have grown around Raila’s family in almost all aspects of their lives, and their loyalty is based on a history of mutual support.
“Don’t stress yourselves, to undo that relationship is not easy. All of us grew up in our politics, communities, and our affairs while very close to the family of Raila Odinga. We support Baba because he is one of us and has stood with us through it all,” Joho explained.
Joho recounted a pivotal moment in the 1990s when Raila played a crucial role in supporting the leaders of the Islamic Party of Kenya (IPK), which was facing significant political suppression. Raila went as far as giving the IPK candidate his party’s ticket under Ford Kenya, a move that solidified his ties with the region.
“Muslims and Raila have come a long way. When we were young, Omar Mwinyi was the chairman of a party called IPK, which was looking for their space in democracy and was suppressed and fought a lot together with Sheikh Khalid Balala. In the end, it was Baba who took them in,” Joho said.
He also recalled Raila’s involvement in Mombasa politics, particularly during the by-election battle involving the late Karisa Maitha and Prof. Rashid Mzee, where he supported the IPK candidate.
Given this history, Raila Odinga continues to enjoy unwavering support from the Coast region. In every election he has contested, the region has overwhelmingly backed him, a testament to the strong bond that Joho believes is unshakable.
