After a brief honeymoon, Deputy President William Ruto's growing influence in the Coast region could be facing fresh trouble with his backers seemingly making hasty retreat.
Over the past few months, Ruto has been using the handshake between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta to springboard his political ambitions. As a result, staunch Orange party MPs led by Malindi's Aisha Jumwa and Msambweni's Suleiman Dori pledged to back his State House race.
The Sunday meeting in Kilifi at Karisa Maitha Grounds to celebrate Mijikenda culture that was presided over by area Governor Amason Kingi and attended by Jumwa and Dori could perhaps be a sign of a changing political wind in the region.
Jumwa has conspicuously been 'missing in action' during past meetings presided over by Kingi and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. Has she decided to make a u-turn? Probably. But her statement during that meeting gives a hint.
"We are usually left out during the sharing of slots after elections because we do not have a party...We command 80 percent of the votes (at the Coast) and the time is coming when we will tell you who our flag bearer will be," said Jumwa.
Then the presence of Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, during the event raises question marks. The vocal lawmaker has been at the fore front backing Ruto's presidency in 2022. What has happened?
On his part, Kingi said the journey to the elusive Coast unity had begun and that they will traverse the region to spread their gospel.
"This day marks the beginning of Coast unity. The importance of the Mijikenda must be recognized, as well as the unity of all the Coastal people," said Kingi.
For now, Ruto will have to go back to the drawing board to save his future in the region.
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