Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned as chairperson of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
His resignation comes weeks after he stepped down as Jubilee Party leader. He handed the position to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Kenyatta announced his resignation in a letter dated Monday, October 5, 2026.
He said the move followed the formal handover of Jubilee Party leadership to Matiang’i. However, Kenyatta clarified that he would remain part of Azimio.
Uhuru explains Azimio resignation
Kenyatta said leaving the leadership position does not mean he is leaving the coalition.
He described the move as part of efforts to renew democratic institutions. He also said it would allow Azimio to continue under new leadership.
“Following the official handover of the Jubilee Party Leadership, I am writing to formally resign from my leadership position within the Azimio La Umoja Coalition, effective immediately,” Kenyatta said.
He said the decision did not mark the end of his political journey with the coalition.
According to Kenyatta, Azimio was formed to unite Kenya’s diverse political voices.
The coalition also sought to protect democracy and support national development.
He noted that coalition parties can keep their individual identities. At the same time, they can work towards common goals.
“A coalition is not merely a temporary alliance of convenience; it is a permanent covenant of conviction,” he said.
The former president expressed confidence in Azimio’s future under new leadership.
He also thanked coalition members for the trust they had placed in him.
Kenyatta remains part of Azimio
Although Kenyatta has left the leadership position, he said he would continue supporting Azimio.
“I remain, as always, a committed member of the Azimio family, ready to support the institution from the ranks, and always available to offer counsel when called upon,” he said.
His resignation comes shortly after he handed over Jubilee Party leadership to Matiang’i.
The move followed a High Court ruling by Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
The court upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. The law bars retired presidents from holding political party office for more than six months after leaving State House.
However, the court clarified that the law does not prevent retired presidents from remaining party members.
It also allows them to participate in political activities.
Matiang’i takes over Jubilee
Matiang’i previously served as Jubilee’s deputy party leader.
He took over the party leadership after Kenyatta agreed to step down.
After taking the position, Matiang’i said he would work with like-minded leaders.
He also said he would focus on rebuilding Jubilee ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Meanwhile, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka serves as the Azimio coalition party leader.
Kalonzo said the court ruling only addressed leadership positions in political parties.
He added that it did not affect Kenyatta’s party membership or political activities.
The Azimio Council will consider the judgment, according to Kalonzo.
He said the council would decide on the next steps according to the coalition’s constitution and the law.
Azimio rebrands as Ukombozi Alliance
The development follows Azimio’s rebranding as The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) in September.
Kalonzo said coalition parties unanimously agreed to adopt the new name.
The changes come as political parties and coalitions prepare for the 2027 General Election.
