NAIROBI, Kenya-Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr. Fred Matiang’i has officially joined the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition National Council following his appointment to the coalition’s top decision-making organ as part of a broader restructuring ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i was appointed alongside former Meru Governor Peter Munya and Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, expanding the coalition’s leadership during a meeting chaired by Azimio Council Chairperson and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The appointments were announced on Monday by Azimio Coalition Council Secretary General Caroli Omondi, who said the coalition had resolved to reorganise its structures and rebrand as it prepares for the next phase of its political activities.
“The Council resolved to reorganise the party structures, the various organs of the party, as well as to move forward with the rebranding of the Azimio Coalition,” Omondi said.
He confirmed that the council had unanimously approved the admission of the three leaders into its highest governing organ.
“The Council decided to admit two new members into its ranks. That is His Excellency Fred Matiang’i, the Honourable former Governor His Excellency Peter Munya, and Honourable Senator Lenny Kivuti to become the new Council members. So there are three new members to the Council,” he said.
The appointments are expected to strengthen Azimio’s leadership as the coalition positions itself ahead of the 2027 elections amid ongoing efforts to consolidate opposition parties.
Coalition Expansion
As part of the restructuring, the National Council resolved to invite DAP-Kenya, one of Azimio’s founding members, to formally rejoin the coalition.
According to Omondi, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa welcomed the invitation and indicated that the party would return to the coalition once its internal approval processes are completed.
The council also extended invitations to the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) and the Democratic Party (DP), with both parties signalling their willingness to join after concluding their respective internal consultations.
The latest developments form part of a wider effort to broaden Azimio’s political base and reorganise its structures before the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo Clarifies Uhuru’s Role
The leadership changes come days after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka dismissed speculation that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was orchestrating opposition plans to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
Speaking at the ACK Cathedral in Embu on July 30, Kalonzo insisted opposition leaders were independently crafting their political strategy.
“So do not paint a picture that Uhuru is organising us to face Ruto. We are organising ourselves to face Ruto and nobody will do it for us,” Kalonzo said.
He explained that Uhuru’s role was limited to his position as Chairperson of the Azimio Coalition Council and that Monday’s meeting was convened to strengthen the coalition rather than plan a campaign against the President.
“The meeting Uhuru chairs on Monday is just about moving Azimio forward and not arranging how to tackle Ruto,” Kalonzo added.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition was formed ahead of the 2022 General Election to back the presidential candidacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, bringing together parties including the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Wiper Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party and several affiliate parties.
Although Raila lost the election to President William Ruto, the coalition has remained Kenya’s principal opposition alliance and is now undergoing a significant reorganisation as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
