Devolution and land rights: Why Raila held sway in Coast for years

Mombasa residents mourn former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, on 0ctober 16, 2025. [Omondi Onyango, Standard] Raila Odinga held a firm grip on Coast politics for over two decades, largely due to his persistent push for land reforms, devolution, and human rights-including his strong advocacy for the interests of the Muslim community, observers have noted. Political analysts and allies say Raila stood firmly against the marginalisation of coastal communities, especially on issues related to land ownership, jobs and infrastructure development. Mombasa-based lawyer and former Secretary-General of the Shirikisho Party of Kenya (SPK), Aboubakar Yusuf, said Raila positioned himself as the voice of the Coast people at a time when they were calling for majimbo (a federal system of governance). He championed devolution, a model that resonated with locals. "Raila fought against marginalisation and stood for the rights of all, regardless of their region or religion, which endeared him to the Muslim population," said Yusuf. Yusuf added that Raila, along with his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, had been close to the Muslim community since 1992, when Ford-Kenya allied with the Islamic Party of Kenya and won the Likoni and Kisauni parliamentary seats through Khalif Mwavumo and Prof Rashid Mzee, respectively. This, he said, marked the beginning of Raila's lasting influence in Coast politics. "ODM must now craft a new strategy to fill the leadership void. The unifying figure is gone," he observed. Over the years, Raila mentored a generation of Coast leaders including Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho and Salim Mvurya, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, governors Abdulswamad Nassir, Gideon Mung'aro, Dhadho Godhana, Andrew Mwadime, and several MPs. Sheikh Juma Ngao, National Chairman of the Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (Kemnac), said Raila's stance against historical injustices related to land and employment won him enduring support in the region. "He never showed interest in grabbing land. He pushed for land reforms and defended the voiceless," said Ngao. "He also championed the inclusion of Kadhis' Courts at the Bomas of Kenya constitutional talks, earning him hero status among Muslims. Without Raila, we would not have the Kadhis' Courts today." "Raila was instrumental in the nomination of Mariam Matano, the first Muslim woman to Parliament, as part of his support for women from marginalised regions," he added. Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy, Coast Deputy Chair of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), said Raila earned widespread popularity in the region because he "spoke truth to power". "He addressed the harassment of Muslims and highlighted their difficulties in acquiring national identity cards. He was the true defender of the voiceless," he said. Pwani University lecturer Prof Halim Shauri described Raila as an exceptional human rights defender and a peacemaker who "sacrificed his life for others." "Like Nyanza, the Coast has been historically marginalised. Raila addressed these injustices, and this made people here feel seen and heard," Shauri said. Veteran Coast politician Kasena Yeri noted that Raila's support for a federal system of governance endeared him to locals. "Raila understood the plight of squatters-an issue long ignored by successive governments. He was the only leader who dared challenge the status quo on land reforms," Yeri said. Former Matuga MP Hassan Mwanyoha described Raila as a caring leader with a unique ability to connect with people on a personal level. "He remembered everyone's name, listened to all, and never looked down on anyone. He was bold and willing to take risks to make the government understand the needs of his people," Mwanyoha said.

Devolution and land rights: Why Raila held sway in Coast for years

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Devolution and land rights: Why Raila held sway in Coast for years

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