Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has secured the backing of KADU Asili for his 2027 presidential bid as he begins a tour of the Coast region.
KADU Asili leader Mudzo Nzili reaffirmed the party’s support for Matiang’i during a joint press conference on Monday, October 5, saying the former Cabinet Secretary was best placed to address the economic and social challenges facing the region.
Nzili, who previously served as chairman of the Kenya National Union of Teachers, also pointed to challenges in the Coast education sector, saying they had persisted for years. He praised Matiang’i’s record during his tenure as Education Cabinet Secretary and said he could help address longstanding problems in the sector.
Support from KADU Asili
The development gives Matiang’i an additional political boost as he seeks to build support across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Beatrice Gambo welcomed the partnership, saying KADU Asili’s decision to work with Matiang’i offered fresh hope for residents of the Coast.
The engagement comes as Jubilee seeks to strengthen its political networks and work with other parties ahead of the next election. Matiang’i took over as Jubilee Party leader from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 22, putting him at the centre of the party’s preparations for 2027.
Strengthening political networks
Matiang’i has also been pushing for a broad opposition coalition, with the question of a single presidential candidate remaining unsettled as other opposition leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, continue to position themselves.
During Monday’s engagement, Matiang’i also raised concerns over the proposed East African oil refinery in Lamu, calling for the agreements and commitments surrounding the project to be made available to Parliament for scrutiny.
The refinery has become a major focus of political debate following its launch by President William Ruto last week. The government says the project will be a major industrial investment, while questions over its financing, government commitments and land have continued to emerge.
Concerns over oil refinery project
Matiang’i’s Coast tour comes shortly after Ruto completed an eight-day visit to the region, during which the President launched and inspected several development projects, including the Lamu refinery.
Jubilee officials have said Matiang’i’s tour was planned independently of the President’s visit and is part of a wider effort to strengthen the party’s presence across the country.
Matiang’i is expected to visit the six Coast counties during his tour, meeting residents, local leaders and other stakeholders as he seeks to expand his political base and rally support for his presidential bid and a broader opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 election.
