Mining CS Hassan Joho Eyes Kindiki’s Position in 2027 Shakeup
A significant political storm is brewing within the “broad-based” government as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) begin high-stakes negotiations for a 2027 pre-election coalition. At the center of the friction is a bold demand from ODM leaders for the Deputy President position, with supporters of Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho positioning him to replace the current DP, Kithure Kindiki, on President William Ruto’s ticket.
During recent political gatherings at the Coast, ODM stalwarts declared the DP slot an “irreducible minimum” for any formal partnership. They argue that as the junior partner bringing significant numbers to the table, the Orange party must be represented at the very top of the executive. “If we are taking someone forward to represent us, don’t send a cat—send a lion,” one leader remarked, referring to Joho’s “Sultan” persona. This ambition has set the stage for a looming battle between Joho’s coastal backers and those who wish to maintain the current Kenya Kwanza hierarchy under DP Kindiki.
The tension is further exacerbated by a heated debate over “zoning.” ODM is pushing for a strategy that would prevent UDA from fielding candidates in traditional ODM strongholds, particularly at the Coast. Orange party officials argue that if they support President Ruto for the top seat, UDA should reciprocate by leaving gubernatorial, parliamentary, and MCA seats to ODM in those regions. However, this proposal has been met with fierce resistance from UDA-allied aspirants who accuse ODM of trying to “raid” and lock out competition in democratic spaces.
Meanwhile, other regional players are complicating the math. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, through his Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party, has thrown his weight behind UDA, declaring that PAA will not field candidates in 2027 but will instead back UDA contenders, including former CS Aisha Jumwa for the Kilifi gubernatorial seat. This fragmented landscape at the Coast illustrates a growing rift: while some leaders like Governor Fatuma Achani remain loyal to the current DP Kindiki, others see Joho’s potential elevation as the ultimate prize for the region. As these two political titans move closer to a formal pact, the question of who occupies the second-highest office in the land remains the most explosive variable in the 2027 equation.