KALONZO UNVEILS UKOMBOZI ALLIANCE AFTER AZIMIO REBRAND.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi attended by several coalition leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Attorney General Justin Muturi, Kalonzo said the decision was reached unanimously by the coalition’s leadership.

“After today, even this podium will change because the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has this day, September 21, 2026, unanimously agreed to rebrand and change the name to Ukombozi Alliance,” Kalonzo declared. He described the change as the start of a new phase for the opposition outfit.

The rebranded coalition will operate under the guiding philosophy of “One Term, One Team, One Coalition” and adopt blue and white as its signature colours. Kalonzo emphasised that the move forms part of broader efforts to reorganise internal structures, expand outreach to other opposition parties and strengthen public engagement in preparation for the 2027 polls.



Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who chairs the coalition council, will retain that role under the new name. Kalonzo announced that Kenyatta would convene a Jubilee Party meeting on Tuesday, September 22, to make key decisions. The outcomes of that meeting will then be communicated to the Ukombozi Alliance to ensure the parties continue to move in unison.

“Let the country know that we are on the move. The coalition chair is Uhuru Kenyatta, and tomorrow he is convening a Jubilee Party meeting to make the necessary decisions, which will be communicated to the Ukombozi Alliance,” Kalonzo said. He added that arrangements would follow for the formal handover of the instruments of power from the old Azimio structure to the new alliance, including communication of the chairmanship to the Registrar of Political Parties.



The announcement comes amid ongoing consultations within the opposition on consolidating forces against the government. Kalonzo indicated that additional political parties are expected to join the Ukombozi Alliance in the coming period. Among those mentioned in connection with the new formation are the Umoja na Maendeleo Party led by former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and the United Green Movement associated with former Chief Justice David Maraga.

Kalonzo stressed that the opposition remains committed to unity. He said the coalition would not entertain any threats to its collective goal of mounting a strong challenge in the 2027 election. The rebranding follows earlier resolutions by Azimio to overhaul its organs, review its policy platform and broaden engagement with like-minded groups.

The change occurs against the backdrop of a recent High Court ruling that has implications for the political roles of retired presidents. Kenyatta has indicated he will relinquish formal leadership of the Jubilee Party in line with legal requirements, though Kalonzo maintained that the former president can continue participating in political activities.

Coalition leaders present at the briefing welcomed the development as a necessary step to refresh the opposition’s identity and mobilise support. Kalonzo reiterated that time is of the essence, with slightly more than a year remaining before the next general election, and that using the existing vehicle with a new name would allow faster progress than registering an entirely new entity.

Formal processes to effect the name change and complete the transition are expected to unfold in the days ahead, beginning with the Jubilee Party meeting on Tuesday. The Ukombozi Alliance now positions itself as the primary opposition platform as Kenya’s political landscape continues to realign ahead of 2027.