Opposition Unity Faces Test as Jubilee and Wiper Eye Mombasa Governor Seat

Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has announced plans to field candidates for most elective positions at the Coast ahead of the 2027 General Election, as opposition parties negotiate possible alliances to challenge President William Ruto.

Speaking during a tour of the region, Matiang’i said Jubilee would prepare candidates for county assembly, parliamentary and gubernatorial seats while continuing discussions with other opposition parties on a joint presidential strategy.

In Mombasa, the plan could complicate efforts to unite opposition supporters behind common candidates. 

Several politicians are already seeking the governor’s seat, raising the prospect of competition between parties that may otherwise cooperate at the national level. Among the aspirants are Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, who is associated with Wiper, and former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo, who intends to contest under Jubilee. Both are seeking to lead Mombasa County, where the opposition faces the challenge of balancing individual ambitions with broader coalition plans.

Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has also backed Mohamed Ali for governor, regardless of the party through which he eventually contests. His endorsement adds another consideration to negotiations among opposition leaders seeking to coordinate their campaigns without losing the support of regional allies.

Matiang’i said Jubilee was preparing to expand its presence across the Coast rather than depend entirely on agreements with other parties. He indicated that the party had identified aspirants in several constituencies and counties, with internal nomination processes expected to determine who receives its tickets.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary also claimed that some prospective candidates were still serving in government and had yet to declare their political ambitions publicly because they feared possible repercussions. Jubilee is nevertheless pursuing partnerships with other political parties in the region.

Discussions with Coast-based parties, including Kadu Asili, are expected to help identify areas where parties could agree to support common candidates. Matiang’i said consultations and political mapping would continue in the coming months to determine where coalition partners could avoid competing against one another. The strategy is intended to strengthen the opposition's chances in closely contested constituencies and counties.

His Coast tour follows his assumption of Jubilee's leadership from former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Since taking charge, Matiang’i has sought to rebuild the party as a national political force beyond its association with the previous administration.

He said Jubilee had submitted its nomination framework to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and was preparing for nationwide internal party elections. The preparations form part of the party's efforts to establish structures ahead of the 2027 polls.

Matiang’i also used the tour to promote his presidential ambitions. Explaining his decision to leave his position at the World Bank and return to active politics, he said his bid was driven by public demand rather than sponsorship from influential political figures.

He cited support from young Kenyans and rejected claims that powerful political patrons were directing his campaign. The former Cabinet Secretary is seeking to present himself as a candidate whose support extends beyond established political networks.

On policy, Matiang’i identified corruption, public spending, taxation, insecurity and ethnic politics as key issues he would address if elected president. He also criticised the government's higher education funding reforms, arguing that some students had been unable to continue their studies because of funding difficulties.

He questioned the government's claims about financial constraints, arguing that its spending patterns appeared inconsistent with statements that public resources were limited. He also compared the current administration's performance with conditions during his time in government, particularly in the education sector.

During his Coast engagements, Matiang’i addressed local concerns, including longstanding land disputes and insecurity. He referred to his involvement in efforts to resolve the Waitiki land case in Likoni, arguing that vested interests had complicated attempts to reach a lasting settlement.

He called for greater involvement of local residents in resolving land disputes and pledged to give renewed attention to security challenges and drug abuse in the region. The tour combines Matiang’i's presidential campaign with Jubilee's efforts to strengthen its presence in county and parliamentary contests.