Azimio Coalition Rebranded as Ukombozi Alliance

Kenya’s opposition coalition has rebranded as the Ukombozi Alliance, with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka announcing the new name on 21 September alongside other senior leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Kalonzo said the coalition would operate under the slogan, “One Term, One Team, One Coalition”, as it seeks to bring opposition parties together ahead of the 2027 General Election. He said the coalition would hold a strategic meeting with the Jubilee Party on 22 September as part of efforts to align its member parties under the new structure.

Kalonzo also confirmed that the political instruments of the former Azimio la Umoja coalition would be formally transferred to the Ukombozi Alliance, marking a formal change in the coalition’s organisation. The new alliance has already begun admitting additional political parties. 

These include the Umoja na Maendeleo Party, led by former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, and the United Green Movement, led by former Chief Justice David Maraga. Maraga has declared his intention to run for president in 2027. More parties are expected to join the alliance.

The reorganisation comes as the opposition responds to a recent High Court ruling that struck down provisions of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act that restricted retired presidents from taking part in active politics. Kalonzo welcomed the ruling and criticised President William Ruto’s recent description of former President Uhuru Kenyatta as a “rebel leader”. 

He argued that such a description was unconstitutional and said the 2027 contest would be between Ruto and opposition leaders seeking to challenge him, rather than between Ruto and Uhuru, who has largely stayed out of direct political confrontation. The rebranding marks a new phase for opposition parties seeking to present a united political organisation against the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

The Ukombozi Alliance will retain Uhuru as its coalition chair while bringing new parties and leaders into its structure.