Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned as Chairperson of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, weeks after stepping down as the leader of the Jubilee Party. Kenyatta communicated his decision in a letter dated October 5, 2026, addressed to the coalition leadership. He said his resignation took effect immediately and followed the formal handover of Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The former President, however, clarified that leaving the coalition’s formal leadership does not mean he is abandoning Azimio or its political objectives. Kenyatta described the decision as part of the wider renewal of democratic institutions and expressed confidence that the coalition would continue pursuing its shared political goals under new leadership.
He said Azimio was established to bring together Kenya’s diverse political voices around the principles of democracy, national development and cooperation among political parties. Kenyatta further maintained that coalition members could preserve their individual identities while working towards common political objectives.
Uhuru to Remain Part of Coalition
Despite relinquishing his leadership position, Kenyatta said he would remain a member of the political outfit and would continue offering his support and counsel whenever required. He thanked coalition members for the confidence they had placed in him during his tenure and expressed optimism about the organisation’s future.
Kenyatta also emphasised that leadership should involve creating space for institutional renewal and allowing new leaders to take up responsibility. His resignation therefore marks a change in his formal role rather than a complete withdrawal from political activities.
Jubilee Leadership Handover
The development came shortly after Kenyatta handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to Matiang’i. The transition followed a High Court ruling concerning the eligibility of retired presidents to continue holding formal positions within political parties. Justice Lawrence Mugambi upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which bars retired presidents from holding political party office for more than six months after leaving State House.
However, the court clarified that the provision does not prevent former presidents from remaining members of political parties or taking part in political activities. Matiang’i, who previously served as Jubilee’s deputy party leader, subsequently took over the party’s leadership after Kenyatta agreed to relinquish the position. The former Interior CS said he would work with other like-minded leaders as the party seeks to rebuild and position itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo Clarifies Ukombozi Leadership
Following Kenyatta’s resignation, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka moved to clarify the coalition’s leadership structure, saying the former President’s departure had not created a leadership vacuum. Kalonzo said the positions of Party Leader and Chair of the Council are separate and carry different responsibilities. He explained that the Party Leader is responsible for the political and executive leadership of the organisation, while the Chair of Council operates at the coalition’s council level.
Kalonzo maintained that Kenyatta’s resignation had not affected the coalition’s leadership, direction or programmes. He also thanked Kenyatta for his contribution to the coalition and said the former President remained a committed member who could continue providing counsel. According to Kalonzo, Kenyatta will be invited for an official visit, during which a formal handover ceremony will be conducted.
Azimio Rebrands as Ukombozi Alliance
Kenyatta’s resignation comes at a time when the opposition coalition is undergoing organisational changes. The coalition has rebranded from Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition to The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) as it seeks to establish a new political identity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo has since announced that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has reserved the Ukombozi Alliance name, with the coalition now working to complete the remaining compliance requirements. The reorganisation follows the death of former coalition leader Raila Odinga and the subsequent changes in the opposition leadership structure.
Kalonzo was subsequently positioned as the coalition’s Party Leader, while Kenyatta continued serving as Chair of the Council until his resignation.
Possible New Leadership Structure
Kenyatta’s exit from the council chairmanship has also triggered discussions over the coalition’s next leadership arrangement. Reports have indicated that the names of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Siaya Governor James Orengo have been mentioned in discussions concerning the vacant council position. However, no final appointment had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
The development comes as political parties and coalitions prepare for the 2027 General Election, with opposition groups continuing to reorganise and build alliances. For now, Kalonzo remains the coalition’s Party Leader, while Kenyatta has maintained that he will continue supporting the political family despite stepping away from its formal leadership.
