The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party, led by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, has accused President William Ruto of being behind persistent land injustices in the coastal region.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 23, 2025, UPA National Chairperson Nyambega Gisesa, who spearheaded a grassroots mobilisation campaign across Tana River and Kwale counties, asserted that Matiang’i is committed to addressing the long-standing land disputes should he become president.

"We have gathered to mobilize support for Matiang’i’s presidential bid in 2027. We are confident that he is the right leader to tackle the deep-rooted land injustices in the Coast and settle the ongoing county boundary conflicts," Gisesa stated.

He also criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for disregarding the issues faced by Tana River residents, especially after some community lands were declared restricted areas.

Gisesa further accused President Ruto’s government of failing to fulfill its promise to resolve historical land grievances, particularly in the coastal region.

The tour of the coast, designed to boost the party’s visibility and promote Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, was led by Gisesa alongside senior UPA officials such as Elijah Abere, Jeliah Nyakang’i, Kaluma Nzao, Werna Mawerna, and Chief Coordinator Geoffrey Kiraka.

The UPA Party is actively campaigning to promote Matiang’i’s presidential bid nationwide.

Matiang’i has already held similar grassroots meetings in Kisii, Nyamira, Narok, and Nyeri, and plans to maintain direct engagement with Kenyans through continued outreach and his campaign team.

The UPA Party is set to participate in several events in Kilifi and Mombasa counties on Saturday, May 24, 2025, as part of its intensified grassroots campaign.

During his recent meet-the-people tour in his home counties of Nyamira and Kisii, Matiang’i received a warm welcome, with the speaking platform prominently decorated in UPA colors.

It remains uncertain whether the former Interior CS will pursue the presidency under the UPA Party or opt to run with the Jubilee Party, which has already officially endorsed him as its presidential flagbearer.

In a March interview, Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni disclosed that Matiang’i had shown interest in the presidential race and emphasized that the party’s role was to promote him as the leading candidate for the 2027 elections.

"Matiang’i has expressed his intention, and it is up to the party to campaign for its candidate nationwide," Kioni said.

"As a party of Jubilee’s size, it is crucial to have a presidential candidate. Those willing to lead should be given a fair opportunity," he added.