Uhuru Kenyatta Resigns as Azimio Chairperson After Jubilee Leadership Handover

NAIROBI, Kenya — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned as Chairperson of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, weeks after handing over leadership of the Jubilee Party to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

Kenyatta announced his resignation in a letter dated October 5, saying the decision followed the formal transition of Jubilee Party leadership to Matiang’i. His resignation takes effect immediately.

The former President, however, stressed that his departure from the coalition's leadership should not be interpreted as an end to his political association with Azimio.

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

He described Azimio as an alliance founded on the principle of bringing together Kenya's diverse political voices to protect democracy and advance national development.

Uhuru vows to remain part of Azimio

Kenyatta said political parties within a coalition could maintain their individual identities while pursuing shared objectives.

“A coalition is not merely a temporary alliance of convenience; it is a permanent covenant of conviction,” he said, expressing confidence in the coalition's ability to continue its political journey under new leadership.

The former President thanked members for the trust they had placed in him and said he would continue supporting the coalition from outside its formal leadership structure.

“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.

The resignation marks another significant change in Kenyatta's formal political roles as Kenya's political parties reorganise ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Matiang’i takes over Jubilee

Kenyatta's decision follows his September handover of the Jubilee Party leadership to Matiang’i.

Matiang’i, who had served as Jubilee's deputy party leader, assumed leadership after Kenyatta agreed to relinquish the position following a High Court ruling concerning the political roles of retired presidents.

The court decision by Justice Lawrence Mugambi held that retired presidents could not hold political party office beyond six months after leaving State House, although they could remain party members and participate in political activities.

Matiang’i subsequently said he would work with other like-minded leaders and focus on strengthening Jubilee's structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

Azimio rebrands as Ukombozi Alliance

Kenyatta's resignation also comes against the backdrop of a wider restructuring of the opposition coalition.

In September, Azimio la Umoja announced that it had rebranded as the Ukombozi Alliance after constituent parties agreed to adopt the new name. At the time, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Kenyatta would chair the rebranded alliance.

However, Siaya Governor James Orengo subsequently replaced Kenyatta as chairman of the Ukombozi Alliance coalition council, according to reports following a meeting of the coalition's leadership.

The developments underline the fluid nature of Kenya's opposition politics as parties and political leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kenyatta has remained politically active despite relinquishing formal party leadership positions. Earlier in October, he joined calls for opposition leaders to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

His latest resignation therefore marks a shift in his formal leadership responsibilities rather than a withdrawal from Kenya's political landscape.