Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga yesterday warned Coast residents not to trust Deputy President William Ruto to handle issues revolving around the land.

Raila who was on a tour of the Coast yesterday urged Kwale residents to support his 2022 presidential bid, to enable him to address the thorny
issue of land in the region.

Speaking at Pongwe/ Kidimu in Lungalunga constituency, Raila said he is best-placed to tackle land injustices.

“The other candidate opposing me has direct interest in Coastal land therefore he is a major threat to residents of this area,” he said.

According to Raila, Ruto will grab most land at the Coast if elected president.

Raila was responding to calls by local leaders for intervention over the settlement of squatters.

“Our people are suffering from the daily evictions. We ask you to assist in solving this problem of land injustices,” said Kwale Woman Rep
Zulekha Hassan.

Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire noted that problem of land was not only confined to Kwale but spread across the entire Coast region.

“In Kilifi this problem is very thorny and it has affected most people leading to poverty,” he said.

Nakuru governor Lee Kinyanjui who accompanied Raila also urged the locals to be wise in 2022 while choosing leaders.

Kwale Senator Issa Boy said though all presidential candidates were welcome to sell their vision at the Coast, Raila will have the final word.

“Raila is the landlord of Coast region. We listen to him therefore, those who keep coming in every now and then, will not win the hearts of locals,” Boy said