The political landscape of Kenya's Coast region underwent a significant transformation after the death of former Cabinet Minister Karisa Maitha in 2004. Raila Odinga, a prominent national political figure, successfully inherited a substantial portion of Maitha's political base, solidifying his influence in the region for nearly two decades.

Maitha, often referred to as 'Mugogo wa Pwani' (Coastal Kingpin) and 'Hurricane' for his dynamic and no-nonsense approach, was a towering figure in Coast politics. He rose from a clinical officer to a powerful Cabinet Minister in former President Mwai Kibaki's government, serving in the Local Government and Tourism and Wildlife dockets. His political journey began in 1979 as a councillor for Mwakirunge Ward, and he later became the Member of Parliament for Kisauni in 1992.

Maitha was known for championing the rights of the marginalised, notably lobbying for the legalisation of 'mnazi,' a traditional coastal palm wine crucial for many livelihoods and cultural practices. His initiatives also included youth empowerment and the rehabilitation of street families. His sudden death at 50 from a heart attack while on official duty in Germany left a considerable vacuum in Coast politics.

Raila Odinga, who had been building his political base in the Coast since the early 1990s, saw his stature grow considerably after Maitha's demise. Observers note that Odinga mentored top leaders from the Coast, integrating them into his political party and effectively taking over Maitha's support. This strategic move contributed to the Coast region becoming a long-standing stronghold for Odinga and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Odinga's connection with the Coast people was also attributed to his appreciation for their cultures and traditions, often donning Mijikenda regalia or Muslim robes during his visits. Former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, a close ally of Odinga, highlighted the deep historical ties between Odinga's family and the Coast communities, asserting that their relationship was difficult to break.

However, this political dominance has not been without its challenges. In the lead-up to the 2022 General Election, some Coast leaders, such as Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, expressed dissatisfaction with Odinga's coalition, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya, for allegedly failing to sign a written agreement addressing the region's concerns. Kingi's Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) subsequently joined the Kenya Kwanza alliance, asserting that the Coast region was no longer Odinga's 'political bedroom.'

Despite these shifts, Odinga's influence in the Coast remained significant, with his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), holding a substantial number of parliamentary seats nationally. His ability to mobilise thousands in the Coast, as well as in other regions, underscored his enduring appeal.

Evidence/Data Box

• Karisa Maitha's Political Career: Began as a councillor in Mwakirunge Ward in 1979, elected Kisauni MP in 1992, and served as Cabinet Minister for Local Government and Tourism and Wildlife.
• Death of Karisa Maitha: August 27, 2004, at age 50, due to a heart attack while on official duty in Germany.
• Raila Odinga's Coast Support: The Coast region has been a stronghold for Raila Odinga for many years, with his influence growing significantly after Maitha's death in 2004.
• ODM's Parliamentary Representation: Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) holds 86 seats in Kenya's 349-member Parliament (as of October 2025), representing 25% of the assembly.

Unknowns and Controversies

While Odinga's inheritance of Maitha's political base is widely acknowledged, the precise mechanisms and long-term implications of this transition on local leadership structures and the political aspirations of indigenous Coast leaders remain areas of ongoing discussion. The extent to which Odinga's national political agenda fully aligned with or superseded Maitha's original Coast-centric advocacy is also a subject of varying interpretations.

What to Watch

The political dynamics in the Coast region continue to evolve, particularly with recent realignments such as Governor Kingi's move to the Kenya Kwanza alliance. Future elections will test the enduring legacy of both Karisa Maitha's original vision for the Coast and Raila Odinga's sustained influence, as new leaders emerge and regional political unity remains a key aspiration.