Uhuru quits Azimio Council Chairman post as Kalonzo takes charge of outfit rebranded Ukombozi

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned as Chairperson of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, weeks after relinquishing his leadership of the Jubilee Party, clearing the way for a new leadership arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The resignation leaves Wiper party boss Kalonzo Musyoka as the political head of the rebranded coalition, now operating as The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), while Uhuru moves into a less formal role within the opposition outfit as Kenya’s political formations intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Kenyatta announced his resignation in a letter dated Monday, October 5, 2026, saying the decision followed the formal handover of the Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

“Following the official handover of the Jubilee Party Leadership, I am writing to formally resign from my leadership position within the Azimio La Umoja Coalition, effective immediately,” Kenyatta said.

He, however, stressed that his resignation should not be interpreted as an exit from the opposition coalition, saying it was part of the broader renewal of democratic institutions.

“This decision is not a departure from our shared political journey, but a necessary step in the continuous renewal of our democratic institutions,” he said.

Kenyatta said Azimio had been founded to bring together Kenya’s diverse political voices around the protection of democracy and promotion of national development, while allowing constituent parties to retain their identities.

“A coalition is not merely a temporary alliance of convenience; it is a permanent covenant of conviction,” he said.

The former president expressed confidence that the coalition would continue under new leadership, thanking members for the trust placed in him during his tenure.

“I step down from this office with a heart full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, and with absolute confidence in the collective strength of this coalition,” he said.

Despite relinquishing the chairmanship, Kenyatta said he would remain an active member of the coalition and continue offering support and counsel when required.

“I remain, as always, a committed member of the Azimio family, ready to support the institution from the ranks, and always available to offer counsel when called upon,” he said.

His resignation comes shortly after he handed over the leadership of Jubilee Party to Matiang’i following a High Court ruling that barred retired presidents from holding political party office beyond six months after leaving State House.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act but clarified that the provision does not prevent retired presidents from remaining members of political parties or participating in political activities.

Matiang’i, who had served as Jubilee’s deputy party leader, subsequently assumed the leadership of the party after Kenyatta agreed to relinquish the position.

The latest development has also prompted clarification from Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka over the leadership structure of the opposition coalition, now operating under the The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) banner.

Kalonzo said Uhuru’s resignation from the chairmanship did not create a leadership vacuum, stressing that the positions of Party Leader and Chair of Council were constitutionally distinct.

“The party leader and the chair of council are two distinct offices, and they have never been one and the same,” Kalonzo said in a statement issued today, Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

He said the party leader remained the political and executive head responsible for the coalition’s day-to-day political affairs, representation before the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and other institutions, and accountability to members.

“The party leader is the political and executive head of the party. He speaks for the party, runs its day-to-day affairs, represents it before the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and other institutions, and answers to its members,” Kalonzo said.

He maintained that he remained the coalition’s Party Leader and that Uhuru’s resignation had not altered its leadership, direction or political programme.

“There is no vacuum at the helm of Ukombozi, and no change in the party’s leadership, direction or programme,” he said.

The coalition rebranded as The Ukombozi Alliance in September after member parties unanimously agreed to adopt the new identity as they reposition themselves for the 2027 elections.

Kalonzo also confirmed that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties had reserved the Ukombozi Alliance name and said the coalition was finalising the remaining compliance requirements.

He thanked Uhuru for his leadership and said the coalition would invite the former President for an official visit, during which a formal handover ceremony would be held.

“We thank him, and we are grateful to his family for the sacrifices that came with that service,” Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo added that Uhuru remained a committed member of the coalition and was available to support its activities and offer counsel when called upon.