The President asked leaders to stop the dispute, warning that it could harm the political cooperation between the United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement.
Joho has recently faced resistance as he tries to increase his political influence on the Coast. He has also shown interest in becoming Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Some UDA leaders have opposed the move. They say Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya is their preferred leader in the national government.
They also support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to remain in his position. Speaking on Friday during an Iftar dinner with Muslim faithful at State House in Mombasa, Ruto urged leaders from ODM and UDA to work together.
He said leaders in the broad-based government must promote national unity rather than create divisions. The President also asked Coast leaders to speak with one voice.
“You have heard about ‘fire’ and ‘power’ in this broad-based government. If we bring them together, we will get strong energy to move the country forward,” said Ruto.
He urged leaders not to divide the country, saying the nation's unity depends on them.
Mvurya also spoke strongly, saying he was surprised that the position of Deputy President had become a public debate. He said the running mate is chosen only by the presidential candidate, not by regional groups.
“We are shocked that the position of Deputy President for 2027 has become a big public debate. This is taking us backwards,” said Mvurya. He added that within UDA, it is President Ruto who has the authority to choose a running mate.
“Let us stop giving the Coast people hope about something that does not exist,” he said. Mvurya also defended Kindiki, describing him as a respected scholar with a strong international record.
He warned that pressure on the President to change the 2027 election ticket could create political divisions in the Coast region.
During the Iftar meeting, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi promised President Ruto that he would work with Mvurya to strengthen support for the government in the Coast ahead of the next election. Joho did not attend the event.
Through Abdulswamad Nassir, the Governor of Mombasa, he said he had travelled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah. This voluntary Islamic pilgrimage can be done at any time of the year.
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