Deputy President William Ruto has expressed his desire to form a political alliance with leaders from the Coast region ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Speaking in Garsen town on Wednesday, Ruto explained that he acknowledged the efforts of Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and other leaders who have been at the forefront of a push to form a new regional party.
The coast region has traditionally been a stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and overwhelmingly supported Raila Odinga in the 2017 Presidential election.
Ruto declared that the region would no longer be swayed by 'Tibim' or 'Tialala', a sly reference to Odinga's campaign slogans in last year's polls.
“Coast will not be taken for granted this time, it will not be swayed by ‘tibim’ and ‘tialala’. This time Coast leaders will sit and consult to know their ambitions, needs and the issues they want in the political arena,” he stated.
[caption caption="DP William Ruto with Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi"]
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Among those who accompanied the DP were Kingi, Tana River Senator Juma Wario, Garsen MP Ali Hanshaka Wario and Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori.
Also present were Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and former Tana River Governor Hussein Dado.
Kingi, however, warned Ruto to prepare for a great battle in 2022 as the Coast would no longer 'be invited' to other parties.
“Plans are in top gear to form our regional party, which has been elusive, for our aim is to work together as politicians to unite residents of the six coastal counties,” he stated.
The plan could set the stage for a clash betweeen Kingi and Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho who is also Raila's Deputy in ODM.
[caption caption="DP William Ruto with Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa "]
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