From Raila loyalist to Ruto's point man: Joho's political shift unfolds at the coast

When former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho shook hands with President William Ruto after he was sworn in as the Cabinet Secretary for Mining. [PCS]

The shifting sands of Coast politics are redefining old loyalties, with Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho now at the forefront of President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign—while Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, a former Ruto ally, has emerged as one of the regime’s harshest critics.

Joho, who previously lambasted Ruto during the 2022 campaigns, is now backing his re-election bid alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, marking a striking departure from their past stance.