By Nyang’au Araka
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned from his leadership position in the Azimio la Umoja coalition, saying the decision is intended to pave the way for the renewal of Kenya’s democratic institutions.
In a letter addressed to the Azimio party leader, co-principals, National Steering Committee and coalition members, Kenyatta said his resignation followed the official handover of the Jubilee Party leadership.
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He stressed that his decision did not amount to abandoning the political movement, but was part of a broader process of institutional renewal.
“This decision is not a departure from our shared political journey, but a necessary step in the continuous renewal of our democratic institutions,” Kenyatta said.
The former President said Azimio had been founded on the belief that Kenya’s diverse political voices could come together to defend democracy and promote national development.
He compared the coalition to a river formed by several tributaries, saying individual parties could retain their identities while contributing to a stronger political movement.
“But a river must continually carve new paths to remain vital,” he said, adding that leadership required the courage to make way for others.
Kenyatta also urged the coalition to remain broad and inclusive, drawing on an African proverb that “a single tree cannot make a forest, but a forest can shelter a nation”.
He said he would remain a committed member of the Azimio family and would continue offering counsel whenever called upon.
Responding to the resignation, Ukombozi Alliance party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka thanked Kenyatta for his leadership and said the former President remained an important member of the political family.
Musyoka said Kenyatta had stood with the movement during critical moments and contributed his stature and counsel to the coalition’s cause.
“We thank him, and we are grateful to his family for the sacrifices that came with that service,” Musyoka said.
He said Kenyatta would be invited for an official visit, during which a formal handover ceremony would be held.
Musyoka also moved to clarify the leadership structure of the rebranded political outfit, following possible confusion over the positions held by the two leaders.
He said the Party Leader and Chair of Council were separate offices, with Kenyatta having served in the latter role.
“The Party Leader is the political and executive head of the party,” Musyoka said, adding that the office remained unaffected by Kenyatta’s resignation.
“There is no vacuum at the helm of Ukombozi, and no change in the party’s leadership, direction or programme,” he said.
Musyoka further announced that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties had reserved the name The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), which has replaced the name Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party.
He said the party was finalising the remaining compliance requirements and would update Kenyans as the process progressed.
As the 2027 General Election approaches, Musyoka urged members and supporters to remain united and focused.
