Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned as Chairperson of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, weeks after relinquishing his leadership of the Jubilee Party.
Kenyatta announced his resignation in a letter dated October 5, saying the decision followed the formal handover of Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. (Citizen)
He said his resignation should not be interpreted as an end to his association with the coalition, describing it instead as part of the renewal of democratic institutions.
“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.
“This decision is not a departure from our shared political journey, but a necessary step in the continuous renewal of our democratic institutions.”
Uhuru says he will remain part of coalition
Kenyatta said Azimio was formed around the principle of bringing together Kenya’s diverse political voices to protect democracy and advance national development.
He noted that parties within a coalition could retain their individual identities while working towards a common objective.
“A coalition is not merely a temporary alliance of convenience; it is a permanent covenant of conviction,” he said.
Kenyatta said he was stepping down with gratitude for the trust placed in him and expressed confidence in the coalition’s ability to continue its political journey under new leadership.
“I step down from this office with a heart full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, and with absolute confidence in the collective strength of this coalition.”
The former President said he would continue supporting the coalition despite relinquishing his leadership position.
“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.
Matiang’i took over Jubilee leadership
Kenyatta’s resignation from the coalition leadership comes shortly after he handed over the leadership of Jubilee Party to Matiang’i.
The transition followed a High Court ruling by Justice Lawrence Mugambi upholding Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which bars retired presidents from holding political party office beyond six months after leaving State House. The court clarified that the provision does not prevent former presidents from remaining party members or participating in political activities. (Citizen)
Matiang’i, who had been Jubilee’s deputy party leader, subsequently took over the party leadership. He said he would work with other like-minded leaders and focus on strengthening Jubilee ahead of the 2027 General Election. (Citizen)
Kalonzo clarifies Uhuru’s role
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had earlier said the High Court ruling specifically addressed leadership positions in political parties and did not prevent Kenyatta from remaining a member or participating in political activities. (Citizen)
Following Kenyatta’s resignation, Kalonzo said there would be no leadership vacuum in the coalition and that the former President would remain a member who could offer counsel. He also said the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties had reserved the name The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) for the coalition, which had been undergoing reorganisation. (Citizen)
Kalonzo further distinguished the chairperson of the coalition council from the party leader, saying his position as party leader was unaffected by Kenyatta’s resignation. (Citizen)
