Malindi Member of Parliament (MP) Amina Mnyazi has called for the inclusion of Coast leaders in the impending coalition talks between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking in Malindi town on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the ODM legislator insisted that the region must no longer remain sidelined in national political decisions.

Mnyazi lamented that Coast leaders had for too long been “spectators” in national politics, a situation she said had denied the region its rightful share of resources and opportunities.

She said this at the Malindi Jua Kali Sheds in Shela Ward during the handover of a site for the construction of a Ksh66.2 million project under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) to the contractor, Mama and Sons Limited.

“This time, we as Coast leaders have resolved that both parties should ensure that leaders from this region are involved in the impending talks between the two political formations that are already cooperating in the Broad-Based Government arrangement,” she said.

Joho to represent the Coast

Mnyazi revealed that during a meeting of Coast leaders in Mombasa earlier this week, it was agreed that Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho would serve as the region’s political kingpin. She emphasized that Coast leaders would rally behind Joho’s guidance, describing him as their “Sultan.”

“In political matters country-wide, our voice and our resolutions are that first of all there should be coastal unity. The second thing is that wherever Hassan Ali Joho tells us to go, that is where we shall go. Our leader at the very top is Hassan Ali Joho. He is our kingpin. He is our Sultan,” Mnyazi declared.

She further stressed that Coast leaders must be represented in both ODM and UDA delegations during coalition negotiations, particularly as discussions touch on the 2027 government formation, employment opportunities, and resource allocation.

“We are coastal people; at the negotiating table, we must be inside. This time, when they cut the national cake, they will not eat alone. When the cake is divided, we also want our piece,” she said, adding that the region would no longer accept being “carried like fools” after decisions had already been made elsewhere.

Her sentiments follow resolutions by leaders from top organs of both parties, allowing their party leaders, Dr. Oburu Oginga and President William Ruto, respectively, to initiate pre-election talks ahead of the 2027 General Elections