Uhuru Kenyatta Resigns as Chair of Opposition Coalition

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned as chairperson of the coalition council of the opposition alliance formerly known as Azimio la Umoja.

Uhuru communicated his decision in a letter dated 5 October addressed to coalition leader Kalonzo Musyoka and copied to the alliance’s National Steering Committee. His resignation took effect immediately.

The former president said his decision followed the completion of the leadership transition within the Jubilee Party, which he previously chaired. He also made clear that leaving the formal coalition position did not amount to withdrawing from the political relationships and principles that have brought opposition parties together.

Kalonzo acknowledged receipt of the resignation, saying Kenyatta had described the coalition as a political project founded on shared convictions rather than short-term political interests. The response sought to underline continuity within the alliance despite Uhuru's departure from its formal leadership structure.

Uhuru's resignation comes less than a month after he handed over leadership of the Jubilee Party to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. The change followed a court ruling on provisions of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act that limit the period during which retired presidents can hold political party offices after leaving State House.

Although Uhuru stepped down as Jubilee leader, he said he would continue participating in the party as a member and senior adviser. His departure from the coalition council comes as the opposition alliance undergoes a wider restructuring. The coalition has adopted the name The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) as it seeks to bring together established opposition parties and newer political formations under a common platform.

The leadership transition has raised questions over who will succeed Kenyatta as council chairperson. Political sources indicate that Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), is among those being considered for the position.

Siaya Governor James Orengo is also reportedly being considered for a senior co-chair position as the alliance reviews its leadership structure. Gachagua’s possible appointment would bring another prominent figure into the coalition as opposition parties seek to broaden their support ahead of the 2027 General Election. Orengo’s possible elevation would add his long experience in national politics to the alliance’s senior leadership.

Kalonzo currently serves as coalition leader, while Martha Karua is deputy coalition leader and Caroli Omondi is secretary-general. The wider leadership council also includes Matiang’i, Peter Munya and Lenny Kivuti.

The coalition has also sought to bring more parties into its structure, including political formations associated with Kawira Mwangaza, Omingo Magara and Justin Muturi. It remains unclear whether Gachagua’s DCP will formally join the alliance or whether other opposition groups will become part of the restructured coalition.