In the recent weeks, the two coalitions, NASA and Jubilee have been in stiff competition over popularity and political control of the Coast region even as the August polls draws closer.

The Jubilee coalition is in a persistent move to go against what they term as a ‘myth’ or misconception that the Coast region is a NASA stronghold.

NASA, on the other hand, is in a consistent move to solidify its presence and popularity in the region basing on the fact that the region voted for the CORD/NASA coalition overwhelmingly in the 2013 General election.

 The Jubilee Tononoka rally evidences the fact that Jubilee has begun a persistent move to woo the coast region in their favor come August.

Jubilee has received a number of defectors such as Kilifi Deputy Governor Kenneth Kamto ODM NEC member Grace Mboja, and aspirant Kenneth Nyale. In Taita Taveta Women rep Joyce lay and Senator Dan Mwazo.

Many other aspirants have defected in the past joining the ruling coalition, Jubilee in a move analysts term as a big win for the coalition that could work in increasing voter numbers for Jubilee.

Kwale county has also had its fair share of defectors, Governor Salim Mvurya, Women rep Zainab Chidzuga, MP Gideon Mung'aro and his counterpart Mustafa Idd defected from ODM and joined Jubilee.

Analysts have attributed these defections to rising fears and concerns that unfair nominations would rock the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and that most defectors want to evade competition arising from party primaries.

However, it is yet to be seen if Jubilee will realise any value from the defectors and if the Coast region block has shifted in favor of Jubilee. Only time will tell.