Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that residents of the Coast region are being economically and politically marginalized, claiming that jobs at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have been awarded to President William Ruto’s relatives and close associates instead of qualified locals.
In a statement posted on his X account after meeting leaders from the Mijikenda community, Gachagua said he temporarily suspended his ongoing consultations at his Wamunyoro residence to travel to the Coast for what he described as urgent “family consultations.”
According to Gachagua, the meeting was attended by leaders representing the nine Mijikenda communities—Digo, Giriama, Duruma, Rabai, Chonyi, Kauma, Kambe, Ribe, and Jibana—under the leadership of their spokesman, former Cabinet Minister Chirau Ali Makwere.
The former Deputy President claimed that the Coast community is facing widespread economic hardship, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of sidelining locals from employment opportunities at the Port of Mombasa.
He alleged that jobs at the Kenya Ports Authority have been allocated to President Ruto’s relatives and kinsmen through the KPA Managing Director, leaving many qualified residents of the Coast without employment.
Gachagua further claimed that the Port of Mombasa is in the process of being sold to foreign interests, although he did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
He also accused the government of allowing the exploitation of the Coast region’s natural resources, alleging that valuable mineral deposits, including those at Mrima Hills in Kwale County, have been handed over to foreigners without delivering meaningful benefits to local communities.
Additionally, Gachagua alleged that community ranches are being grabbed and that non-local herders are grazing on the land under police protection.
He further claimed that businesses linked to the Port of Mombasa and several state corporations have been concentrated in the hands of a single family.
The former Deputy President also made allegations regarding drug trafficking in the region, claiming that a Cabinet Secretary was involved in the illegal trade and that young people who reject drugs are being targeted through abductions and enforced disappearances. He did not provide evidence for these claims.
According to Gachagua, Mijikenda leaders expressed frustration over what they described as years of marginalization and vowed to work with other regions in pursuing political and economic reforms.
He pledged solidarity with the Coast community, saying residents of the Mt. Kenya region, Western Kenya, Lower Eastern, Kisii, and Nyanza would support their efforts to secure what he described as equal opportunities and dignity.
Gachagua also commended former Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi and former Kinango MP Moses Nzoro for supporting the Coast community during the consultations.
