Azimio Rebrands as Ukombozi Alliance Ahead of 2027 Election

NAIROBI, Kenya — The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has announced a new political identity, with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka saying the coalition will henceforth operate as the Ukombozi Alliance.

Kalonzo announced the change on Monday, saying the decision had been reached unanimously by parties within the coalition as the opposition formation reorganises ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“After today, this podium will change because the Azimio la Umoja coalition has today unanimously agreed to rebrand and change its name to the Ukombozi Alliance,” Kalonzo said.

He added that former President Uhuru Kenyatta would head the coalition as chair and said the former President was expected to convene a Jubilee Party meeting to address matters relating to the party's leadership and its role in the coalition.

“The coalition chair is Uhuru Kenyatta, and tomorrow, he is convening a Jubilee Party meeting to make the necessary decisions, which will be communicated to the Ukombozi Alliance,” Kalonzo said.

Formal Changes to Follow

Kalonzo said the coalition would undertake the necessary administrative steps following the Jubilee meeting, including communicating the changes to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

The announcement follows earlier plans by the coalition to reorganise its structures, policy platform and public engagement ahead of the next electoral cycle. Kalonzo had previously said the rebranding was intended to present a renewed and inclusive political vehicle.

Kalonzo also welcomed Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and other political figures into the opposition's broader efforts.

Opposition Leaders Seek Unity

Kalonzo said the opposition would seek to maintain unity and avoid divisions as it prepares for the 2027 political contest.

“We will do everything possible to limit divisions among opposition leaders, including addressing the Linda Mwananchi issue at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties,” he said.

Governor James Orengo said the coalition would operate around what he described as a “one term, one team and one coalition” slogan.

“There have been wide consultations within the opposition, and the target and destination are now set. All that remains is to hit the target,” Orengo said.

He said the opposition's different political formations shared a common objective of pursuing political change.

“I am delighted that we are coming together because we have one common goal: the change that Kenyans desire,” he added.

Uhuru Kenyatta's Role

The announcement places former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the centre of the coalition's proposed new structure.

Kalonzo's recent statements have distinguished between Kenyatta's formal leadership positions and his continued participation in the political movement. His office has previously said that Kenyatta would remain a member of the coalition and that his counsel would continue to be sought.

The development also follows a recent High Court ruling concerning restrictions on former Presidents holding formal leadership positions in political parties. Kenyatta subsequently indicated that he would relinquish the leadership of the Jubilee Party, while Kalonzo said the coalition would follow the law in determining the implications for its own leadership structures.

Opposition Criticises Ruto

The leaders also criticised President William Ruto over his recent remarks concerning Kenyatta, with the opposition calling on the President to refrain from involving the former Head of State in disputes surrounding the current administration.

Orengo, who has separately criticised comments made by Ruto about the late Raila Odinga during the President's recent political engagements, said the opposition would continue to respond to what it considers attacks on its leaders.

The Ukombozi Alliance's next steps are expected to include formalising the name change, confirming its leadership arrangements and communicating the changes to the Registrar of Political Parties.

The rebranding marks a significant organisational change for the opposition coalition as Kenya's political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.