Speaking during a political gathering at the Coast, Kingi said the region has gained significant influence in government under Ruto’s administration and should therefore remain united behind the Kenya Kwanza leadership.
He argued that the Coast now has a stronger voice in national affairs compared to previous administrations.
“If, by bad luck, Ruto slips in the 2027 elections, it will not only be him who will have lost, it will be us, the Coast region,” Kingi stated, remarks that have since triggered debate in political circles.
The Senate Speaker pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, appointments of Coast leaders to senior government positions and development promises made to the region as reasons why locals should support the President’s re-election bid.
His comments come at a time when political campaigns and alignments ahead of 2027 are slowly beginning to take shape across the country.
Opposition leaders have intensified criticism of the government over the high cost of living, fuel prices and taxation, while allies of President Ruto continue defending the administration’s economic policies.
Kingi’s statement also reflects the growing battle for political influence at the Coast, a region that has historically voted as a bloc in presidential elections.
Analysts say both government and opposition leaders are expected to heavily focus on the region in the coming months as competition for support intensifies.
However, critics of the government have dismissed Kingi’s remarks, insisting development should not depend on whether a region supports the ruling administration politically.
Despite the criticism, leaders allied to Ruto maintain that the President has demonstrated commitment to transforming the Coast economy through port expansion, road projects and tourism revival programmes.
The latest remarks are likely to further heat up political debate as Kenya edges closer to another highly contested election season.