A promise of development and unity as President Ruto tour Coast region

MCA Yusuf Mbwana with President William Ruto during the official inauguration of a project in Kwale County. PHOTO/UGC

By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN

newshub@eyewitness.africa

During his recent tour of the Coast region, President William Ruto made bold promises aimed at securing both political allegiance and economic prosperity for the people in the region.

The tour, which spanned multiple counties including Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi, was seen as an opportunity for the President to strengthen his connection with the Coast electorate and reinforce his commitment to uplifting the region, long perceived as a political battleground in Kenya’s recent elections.

Among leaders supporting President Ruto’s agenda in the region was Vanga Member of County Assembly (MCA) Yusuf Mbwana, a prominent political figure from Kwale County.

During the President’s visit in his Lunga-Lunga area, Mbwana urged Coast residents to rally behind President Ruto for his re-election in 2027. The MCA, known for his advocacy of local development, positioned the President as a leader who genuinely cares for the people of the Coast, despite criticism from detractors.

“Let me say the truth. President Ruto loves the Coast people, and that is why he has initiated many development projects that include schools, roads, and training institutions,” Mbwana asserted during his remarks.

His statement reflected the broader sentiments of the region’s leadership that Ruto’s government, while facing political opposition, had delivered tangible benefits that could not be ignored.

The President’s Coast tour was punctuated by a series of speeches and ground-breaking ceremonies where he highlighted several ongoing and upcoming development projects aimed at transforming the region. Central to his message was the promise of improved infrastructure—roads, ports, and airports—that would connect the Coast to the rest of the country, driving economic growth and enhancing trade opportunities.

During his visit to Kwale County, President Ruto emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing road networks, which have historically been underdeveloped in the Coast.

He announced plans for the construction of several key roads and bridges, which would facilitate smoother transportation of goods and services between the Coast and the hinterland. This, he argued, would help reduce the cost of living for the residents, as well as make the region more attractive for both local and foreign investment.

Additionally, President Ruto’s promise of educational reform and skill-building initiatives was a recurring theme throughout his visit. He unveiled plans for new vocational training institutions and the expansion of existing schools, particularly targeting areas that have suffered from educational underfunding.

The region, known for its youthful population, would benefit from these programmes, which are designed to provide young people with practical skills in trades such as construction, engineering, and agriculture. By offering these opportunities, the President framed his initiatives as vital in curbing unemployment and providing youth with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.

MCA Yusuf Mbwana and other leaders accompany President William Ruto during his tour in Kwale County. PHOTO/UGC.

The Ruto administration’s support for coastal farmers was another focal point of the tour. Ruto’s government has rolled out initiatives to boost the agricultural sector, particularly for smallholder farmers who dominate the Coast’s farming landscape.

The introduction of subsidised fertilisers, improved irrigation systems, and market linkages were presented as key strategies to help farmers increase productivity and diversify crops, moving away from traditional subsistence farming towards more commercially viable models.

In his speeches, President Ruto made it clear that his administration’s focus on the Coast was not just about development but also about securing long-term political stability in the region. He acknowledged that the Coast has traditionally been a stronghold for opposition parties, but emphasised the need for unity across the political spectrum in order to achieve collective national development.

“Let me be clear,” Ruto said at one of the rallies, “the development of the Coast is not just an afterthought for this government. It is a priority, and we will continue to work with all leaders and communities here to ensure we leave a legacy of progress and prosperity for future generations.”

The President also used the opportunity to address critics who have questioned his government’s commitment to the Coast. He dismissed claims that his administration was neglecting the region, pointing to the significant infrastructure projects underway, such as the expansion of Mombasa Port, the construction of new roads, and the improvement of energy supply in rural areas.

“We are not here to make empty promises; we are here to fulfil them,” he said.

In what many saw as a calculated move to gain the support of the region ahead of the 2027 elections, President Ruto made several personal appeals to Coast leaders and residents, urging them to recognise the positive strides his government had made.

In particular, the President sought to distance himself from the accusations of neglect that were often levelled against his administration by rival political factions.

The vocal support of MCA Yusuf Mbwana for President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 was not merely a personal endorsement but rather a political strategy aimed at consolidating local political backing for the President in Kwale County and the broader Coast region.

Mbwana’s words echoed the sentiments of other political leaders in the region who had either explicitly or implicitly aligned themselves with Ruto’s leadership.

Mbwana’s statement, calling on Coast residents to avoid making a “very big mistake” by not supporting President Ruto in 2027, was a clear attempt to solidify political loyalty among voters.

By framing non-support for Ruto as a decision they would “regret later,” Mbwana sought to appeal to the practical side of voters, encouraging them to consider the tangible benefits of development rather than political loyalty to opposition leaders.

His rhetoric aligned closely with Ruto’s overarching message—that development, not ideology, should guide political decisions in the Coast.

MCA Yusuf Mbwana with PS Internal Sectretary Raymond Omollo and CS Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya, during President William Ruto’s visit in Kwale County. PHOTO/UGC.

In his appeal, Mbwana also highlighted the ongoing relationship between the Coast and Ruto’s government. He stressed that despite the criticisms and attempts to undermine the President’s leadership, Ruto’s actions spoke louder than words.

By pointing to the various development projects currently underway, Mbwana aimed to shift the narrative from one of political rivalry to one of unity and progress.

As President Ruto’s tour of the Coast concluded, the region’s political landscape appeared to be at a crossroads. Ruto’s promises, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, and agriculture, have the potential to reshape the Coast’s economic fortunes.

However, whether these promises translate into concrete outcomes will likely determine whether the region’s residents rally behind his re-election bid in 2027.

For many, the President’s visit was a timely reminder that political allegiance and development are intertwined. While critics will continue to challenge his leadership, the tangible progress made under his administration will likely influence voters in the upcoming elections.

The support from influential figures such as Mbwana signals a shift towards a more united Coast, with the prospect of a consolidated front backing Ruto in his bid for a second term.

Ultimately, President Ruto’s four-day tour of the Coast region was more than just a political outreach—it was an opportunity to lay the groundwork for his re-election campaign by offering a vision of growth, opportunity, and development.

Whether this vision resonates with the people of the Coast in the coming years will be the key to his success in 2027.