Matiang’i Secures KADU Asili Backing as Coast Tour Begins

Story by Monyonge O’kebati

Jubilee Party presidential candidate Dr. Fred Matiang’i has received a major political boost at the Coast after KADU Asili formally endorsed his bid for the presidency ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The endorsement was announced on Monday during a joint press conference attended by leaders from the two parties, marking the beginning of Matiang’i’s week-long tour of the Coastal region.

KADU Asili Party Leader Mudzo Nzili said his party had backed Matiang’i because of his leadership record and what he described as his ability to unlock the Coast region’s economic and social potential.

Nzili, who previously served as Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Chair, also praised Matiang’i’s tenure as Education Cabinet Secretary, arguing that the Coast continues to face longstanding challenges in the education sector.

He said Matiang’i demonstrated the leadership needed to confront some of the problems that have continued to undermine education opportunities in the region.

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Hon. Beatrice Gambo welcomed the agreement, saying the partnership between Jubilee and KADU Asili offered renewed hope to residents of the Coast.

Gambo, who comes from the region, said the cooperation would strengthen efforts to address the concerns and aspirations of coastal communities.

Matiang’i, meanwhile, pledged to work closely with KADU Asili, regional leaders and other stakeholders as he seeks to consolidate support across the six Coastal counties.

The Jubilee leader also questioned the transparency surrounding the recently launched Lamu Refinery, calling for the government to make public the agreements and commitments underpinning the project.

He said the documents should be presented to Parliament for scrutiny, insisting that major public projects must be subjected to accountability and public oversight.

Matiang’i further reaffirmed his commitment to bringing opposition parties together and building a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

His Coast tour is expected to take him across all six counties, where he will meet residents, political leaders and other stakeholders as he outlines his agenda for the region and the country.

The agreement with KADU Asili gives Matiang’i an early political foothold in a region where questions of economic opportunity, education, infrastructure and equitable development are expected to feature prominently in the 2027 political contest.