NAIROBI, Kenya- Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has questioned the party’s role in the opposition’s Ukombozi Alliance, calling for a new coalition that gives all parties and political voices a meaningful place in decision-making.
“I really don’t understand what we are doing as Jubilee in this whole Azimio/Ukombozi arrangement,” Kioni said.
“At this point, I believe we should be thinking beyond the old formations and working towards a new, genuinely inclusive coalition that brings everyone on board and gives every voice a place at the table.”
His remarks came a day after former President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that he was resigning from his leadership position in the Azimio la Umoja coalition, effective immediately.
In a letter dated October 5, Kenyatta said his decision followed the formal handover of the Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Kenyatta said his resignation should not be seen as an exit from the coalition. He described it as part of the renewal of democratic institutions and said he would remain a member, offering advice when called upon.
He also said the coalition had been formed to bring Kenya’s diverse political voices together around democracy and national development.
In his view, affiliate parties could keep their identities while pursuing shared goals.
The political changes come as Azimio rebrands as The Ukombozi Alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the alliance’s party leader, said the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties had reserved the new name and that the coalition was completing compliance requirements.
Kalonzo said Uhuru’s resignation from the council leadership did not create a vacuum or change the alliance’s leadership, direction or programme.
He described the council chair and party leader as separate positions, saying the chair’s role involved convening, guidance and counsel, while the party leader handled political and executive leadership.
Kioni’s call for a fresh, more inclusive arrangement raises questions about how Jubilee sees its place in the reorganised opposition bloc.
The party is among the political outfits associated with the coalition, while Matiang’i has taken over its leadership from Kenyatta.
Jubilee has also undergone internal changes, with Kioni serving as deputy party leader.
Kenyatta’s handover to Matiang’i took place on September 22.
The transition followed a High Court ruling that upheld a legal provision barring retired presidents from holding political party office more than six months after leaving State House.
The court clarified that the restriction did not prevent former presidents from remaining party members or participating in political activity.
The Ukombozi Alliance has been presented as a broader opposition platform as parties prepare for the 2027 election.
Its rebranding was announced in September, with Kalonzo saying member parties had unanimously agreed to adopt the new name.
The alliance has also discussed engaging other opposition groups as it reorganises its structures and political programme.
Kioni’s remarks add to questions facing the alliance as it seeks to bring parties together under a common platform.
He did not set out specific proposals for how a new coalition should be formed, but said it should include all parties and give each voice a place at the table.
His comments focused on Jubilee’s role in the current arrangement and the need to look beyond existing political formations.
Kenyatta, meanwhile, said he would continue supporting the coalition from outside its leadership.
Kalonzo said the alliance would invite him for an official visit and formal handover.
The coalition is continuing its reorganisation as opposition leaders consider its leadership and wider political direction ahead of the next election.
