Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua (left) Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a past function in Nairobi.
The 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial race is shaping up as a test of whether the opposition’s push for a united front against President William Ruto can withstand competing ambitions for control of key county seats.
Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has announced that the party will field candidates for all elective positions across the Coast in the 2027 General Election, even as opposition parties negotiate a possible joint presidential ticket.
The move puts Jubilee on a potential collision course in Mombasa with Wiper, where Nyali MP Mohamed Ali is eyeing the Mombasa governorship on the party’s ticket. Former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo is also seeking to unseat Governor Abdulswamad Nassir of ODM on a Jubilee ticket.
Meanwhile, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua had earlier declared his support for Mr Ali, regardless of whether he contests the seat on a DCP or Wiper ticket.
The party's Coast strategy comes as rival opposition formations seek to build alliances ahead of the 2027 election, with Jubilee already engaging Kadu Asili and other Coast-based parties over possible cooperation.
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Dr Matiang’i said the party already has aspirants for various positions in the region but would not disclose some of their names because they are still serving in government and could face political pressure if they were identified before resigning.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i speaks during the handover of leadership of the Jubilee Party at the party headquarters in Nairobi on September 22, 2026.
“We have many candidates. In each area, we have three, so we will do nominations to pick the best candidate. I have met our aspirants. Some have declared, while others still working in government are waiting. If we announce them now, they will be hunted by the State,” he said.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary was speaking in Mombasa during his Coast tour as he seeks to strengthen Jubilee's grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 election.
He said the party plans to have candidates for Member of County Assembly, Member of Parliament, Woman Representative, Senator and governor positions, while leaving the presidential candidature open to ongoing negotiations within the opposition.
The remarks come as Jubilee also steps up efforts to build alliances with Coast-based parties, including Kadu Asili. Dr Matiang’i met Kadu Asili leaders in Mombasa last Monday as part of his five-day Coast tour.
Dr Matiang’i said Jubilee and the affiliated parties would conduct mapping exercises before January to determine how they would share or support candidates in constituencies where they intend to work together.
“We have partners like Kadu Asili and two other political parties. This means some political seats we will have to do a Coast-based coalition. We want to conduct mapping between Jubilee and affiliated parties,” he said.
Jubilee has also been holding grassroots meetings as it prepares for its National Delegates Conference and the next phase of its electoral activities. Dr Matiang’i took over as party leader from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta last month.
He said Jubilee had submitted its nomination rules to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and is preparing to conduct nominations across the country.
“We are now ready for nominations in each category,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i also defended his decision to leave his World Bank job and return to Kenya, saying young Kenyans, particularly Gen Z, reached out to him before his return.
“I was called by Gen Zs before I arrived here from the World Bank. It was everywhere, online, social media,” he said.
He dismissed claims that his return to politics was sponsored by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta or another politician.
“No. As for me, if you want to ask about a sponsor, my sponsors are the citizens of Kenya,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i joined the World Bank after leaving government and returned to Kenya in 2025 after announcing that he would pursue his presidential ambitions. He has since been endorsed by Jubilee as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
He said his campaign is being supported by ordinary Kenyans, including people who contribute money towards his activities.
“Presidency needs a lot of money, but you know my candidature is different. I was called to come and serve Kenyans. They are the ones behind my campaigns. They are donating funds towards my campaign, some fueling my car,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i said he is seeking the presidency because, in his view, Kenya needs a leader with experience in public service and technocratic experience.
“I have experience in public service, having served in different ministries. I have worked closely with the former President and I am the most suitable candidate to take over the leadership of this country,” he said.
He said he would prioritise what he described as corruption, wastage of public resources, high taxation, insecurity and ethnic politics.
He also criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration's education policies, particularly the university funding model, claiming that some students had been unable to continue with their studies because of difficulties accessing funding.
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“Many students are stuck at home and others dropped out of university due to the challenges in the new funding model. He has introduced another model again,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i contrasted the current situation with his time in government, arguing that the education sector was more stable during his tenure and criticising the disruption caused by strikes.
He also attacked the administration over claims it inherited an empty Treasury, questioning how government officials could afford expensive vehicles and foreign travel if public finances were as constrained as initially portrayed.
In Mombasa, Dr Matiang’i also revisited his record in government, particularly his involvement in efforts to address land disputes in Likoni, including the Waitiki land case.
He said land disputes at the Coast remained difficult to resolve because of competing interests, accusing unnamed State officials of seeking to benefit from the disputes.
“The biggest challenge of resolving land squabbles in the Coast region is the leadership. When we want to resolve them, there are a lot of interests, with many in the State seeking to enrich themselves. My proposal is to involve residents,” he said.
He said a government under his leadership would prioritise drug abuse and insecurity in the Coast region and warned residents against electing people involved in the drug trade.
Dr Matiang’i also pointed to his tenure as Education Cabinet Secretary, saying he oversaw the relocation of Mama Ngina Girls High School from Mombasa's central business district to Shanzu to create room for expansion.
As he campaigns for the presidency, he said Jubilee would continue recruiting members and strengthening its grassroots structures while negotiations with other opposition parties continue.
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