Uhuru Resigns as Azimio Council Chairperson, Gachagua, Orengo Eyed as Replacements

Uhuru Resigns as Azimio Council Chairperson, Gachagua, Orengo Eyed as Replacements

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned as chairperson of the Azimio la Umoja coalition council, bringing a major change to the leadership of the opposition alliance as political parties reorganise ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Uhuru announced his resignation in a letter dated October 5, 2026, saying the decision took effect immediately after he formally handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party.

The resignation comes shortly after Azimio rebranded as the Ukombozi Alliance, a move announced by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on September 21 as opposition parties sought to create a broader political platform.

Uhuru explains decision

In his letter, Uhuru said his departure from the coalition leadership should not be interpreted as abandoning the political journey shared by the parties that formed Azimio.

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

The former president also reflected on the purpose of the coalition, arguing that its strength should come from cooperation among different political parties rather than individual personalities.

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

Uhuru further said stepping aside would create room for a new generation of leaders to take responsibility for the alliance.

“Leadership is not the clinging to the front of the current; it is the courage to step aside and allow the next generation to navigate the waters.”

He nevertheless indicated that he would remain involved as a member and would offer advice when required.

Kalonzo responds to Uhuru’s resignation

Kalonzo Musyoka, who serves as the coalition party leader, acknowledged Uhuru’s decision and said the former president’s resignation did not amount to abandoning the opposition’s shared political cause.

According to Kalonzo, Uhuru’s letter emphasised that the coalition was built around a common political conviction rather than a temporary arrangement.

The development follows the former president’s earlier decision to relinquish his position as Jubilee Party leader after a High Court ruling concerning the political roles of retired presidents. Kalonzo had previously maintained that the Jubilee leadership position and the chairmanship of the Azimio council were separate matters requiring consideration under the coalition’s structures.

Gachagua and Orengo in focus

The resignation has renewed attention on the future leadership of the Ukombozi Alliance, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Siaya Governor James Orengo among the names linked to senior positions.

Earlier reports indicated that Orengo had taken over as chairman of the rebranded alliance following internal consultations.

The latest developments are therefore likely to shape further discussions over how the coalition’s leadership will be structured as opposition parties seek to consolidate their positions before the 2027 elections.

Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party, however, previously indicated that it would not immediately join the Ukombozi Alliance, choosing instead to pursue a separate coalition arrangement before considering broader cooperation.

Ukombozi Alliance expands opposition strategy

The rebranded alliance has been working to expand its membership and engage other opposition formations.

Kalonzo remains the coalition party leader, while other senior opposition figures continue to participate in discussions aimed at creating a wider political alliance.

The changes come at a time when opposition parties are reviewing their structures, leadership and electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Uhuru’s resignation therefore marks another significant stage in the transformation of Azimio into the Ukombozi Alliance, while leaving the coalition’s next leadership arrangement as a key issue in Kenya’s evolving opposition politics.

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Uhuru Resigns as Azimio Council Chairperson, Gachagua, Orengo Eyed as Replacements