Kindiki rallies Coast behind Ruto's two-term bid

*Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in a rally in the Coast region on Friday, July 4, 2025./DPCS*

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki took President William Ruto’s re-election campaign to the Coast, where he dismissed critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration and outlined region's development projects.

Addressing an economic empowerment rally in Malindi hosted by MP Amina Mnyazi, Kindiki framed the 2027 election as a choice between progress and empty rhetoric.

"We have two teams in this country—one led by Ruto, committed to development, and another with no agenda for Kenyans," Kindiki said "Leadership is about deeds, not chest-thumping."

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His remarks were met with cheers from supporters, including Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya (Sports) and governors Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi) and Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa).

The DP detailed government investments in the Coast, including Sh3 billion in grants to beach management units, modern fish landing sites and new boats for deep-sea fishing.

He also announced the launch of Climate Workx, a revamped Kazi Mtaani programme that will employ youths in environmental conservation.

"They will be paid weekly," he said.

Kindiki said Sh1.8 billion had been allocated to connect more households in Kilifi to electricity, with Sh132 million dedicated to Malindi alone—enough to power 20,000 homes.

He also praised the Social Health Authority, claiming it outperformed NHIF in enrollment and service delivery.

Kindiki, in a sharp criticism for the opposition, mocked the Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka-led team for what he called their lack of a substantive agenda.

"Is their manifesto just 'Ruto Must Go' or 'One Term'?" he asked. "These are leaders who held power but left no development record."

The DP said the long-standing land issues would be resolved, with title deeds set for distribution within 10 days.

Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi praised him as "a capable and dependable leader," while Sports CS Salim Mvurya reminded attendees of 6,000 title deeds soon to be issued in the region.

"Let’s not be lied to in 2027," Mvurya said. "President Ruto deserves a second term to finish what he started."

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko contrasted Kindiki’s leadership with what she called the tribal politics of his predecessors.

"You’ve shown us what real leadership looks like," she said, adding that the region would support Ruto for the good deeds he’s shown his initial critics.

"We called Ruto names in 2022, yet he still accommodated us in his government. That’s the kind of leader we need. Together with his deputy Kindiki, they have shown true leadership without tribal politics. In 2032, we’ll be calling Kindiki and Joho to the table,” the MP said.

Other speakers, including Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito and Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, echoed the call for Ruto’s re-election, framing it as essential for continued development.

"Those shouting ‘one term’ should remember they couldn’t even manage one term themselves. Ruto is delivering for the Coast—SHA, roads, and jobs don’t lie,” Masito said.

Governor Nassir delivered a metaphor-laden appeal for unity: "A coin sinks, but a ship floats. We need leaders who will move Kenya forward, not drag us into division."

Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed said with Ruto and Raila Odinga now aligned, the opposition had no credible alternative.

The rally became a platform for Kenya Kwanza and ODM allies to reinforce Kindiki’s message.

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana framed Ruto’s re-election as inevitable adding that the clarion call in his county was to give the president a second term.

"In Tana River, we’ve declared our support for his second term. I hope Kilifi joins us".

Kwale Woman Rep Fatuma Masito took a swipe at detractors saying, "Those shouting ‘one term’ couldn’t even manage one term themselves".

The sentiment was echoed by Msambweni MP Faisal Bader, who dismissed rivals as "empty-handed" and lacking plans beyond slogans.

Kaloleni MP Paul Katana said, “We’re here for development, not hate. Gachagua told us we ‘have no shares’—now he wants our help? Ruto has been with us from the start."

South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, said, "I listened to Kalonzo and Gachagua’s team—all they said was ‘Ruto must go.’ Where are their development plans? Ruto’s track record earns him a second term."

As the rally concluded, Kindiki’s closing words lingered: "A second term means more roads, more hospitals, and more jobs. This is about continuity."

For Kenya Kwanza, the Coast, a region long seen as an opposition stronghold under Raila’s grip, has become a key battleground.

The government’s development pledges and the united front of local leaders suggest a determined push to secure the region’s support ahead of 2027.

INSTANT ANALYSIS
The government’s development pledges and the united front of local leaders, from Kaloleni MP Paul Katana’s rejection of "politics of hate" to area leaders’ shift - from being Raila loyalist to Ruto advocate, suggest a determined push to secure the region’s support ahead of the 2027 elections.