‘No leadership vacuum’: Kalonzo welcomes Uhuru’s resignation, says Ukombozi name reserved

Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) – formerly Azimio la Umoja One Kenya - has welcomed retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s resignation from the coalition’s leadership, saying the move will not affect the party’s leadership or operations.

Kalonzo said Kenyatta’s decision to relinquish his position as Chair of the council had been received with gratitude, while clarifying that the office was distinct from that of the party leader.

He thanked the former President, saying Kenyatta had played a significant role in the coalition, particularly during its formation and in its efforts to defend democratic institutions.

“There is no vacuum at the helm of Ukombozi, and no change in the party's leadership, direction or programme,” Kalonzo said in a statement issued Wednesday evening.

“We thank him, and we are grateful to his family for the sacrifices that came with that service.”

The Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) boss said Kenyatta remains a member of the coalition and would continue to be available to offer counsel.

Kalonzo further said the former President would be invited for an official visit during which a formal handover ceremony would be held.

He also said that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has now reserved the name The Ukombozi Alliance for the coalition.

“On our name, I am pleased to inform our members and the public that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has reserved the name The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) for us,” he said.

He said the alliance was finalising the compliance requirements arising from the reservation, adding that members would be updated as the process progresses.

Kalonzo further sought to distinguish the position previously held by Kenyatta from his own role as party leader. 

He said the Chair of council is a coalition-level position dealing with counsel, convening and guidance, while the party leader is responsible for the political and executive leadership of the party.

“The Party Leader is the political and executive head of the party. He speaks for the party, runs its day-to-day affairs, represents it before the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and other institutions, and answers to its members. I hold that office, and it is unaffected by President Kenyatta's resignation,” Kalonzo said.

The clarification comes after Kenyatta announced his immediate resignation from his leadership position within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition.

In a letter dated October 5, Kenyatta said the decision followed the formal handover of Jubilee Party leadership, which was taken over by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i.

“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.

Kenyatta said his resignation was not a departure from the coalition's political journey, but part of the renewal of democratic institutions, further maintaining that he would remain a committed member of the Azimio family and be available to offer counsel.

“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.

The leadership transition also came amid the reorganisation of the opposition coalition, which changed its name from Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party to The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) in September.

Kalonzo urged Ukombozi members and supporters to remain united as the coalition positions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.