Uhuru Kenyatta resigns as Azimio Chairperson

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 Monday, October 5, saying the decision followed the formal handover of Jubilee Party leadership to Dr. Fred Matiang’i.

He said his resignation should not be interpreted as an end to his association with the coalition, describing it as part of the process of renewing 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.”

Kenyatta said Azimio had been formed around the principle of bringing together Kenya's diverse political voices to protect democracy and advance national development, underscoring that political 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, expressing 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 stepping down from its leadership.

“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.

Kenyatta's resignation comes shortly after he handed over the leadership of Jubilee Party to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred 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 for more than six months after leaving State House.

The court clarified that the law does not prevent retired presidents from remaining members of political parties or participating in political activities.

Matiang’i, who had been Jubilee's deputy party leader, took over the party leadership after Kenyatta agreed to relinquish the position.

At the time, Matiang’i said he would work with other like-minded leaders and focus on rebuilding Jubilee ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the Azimio coalition party leader, said the ruling specifically addressed leadership positions in political parties and did not affect Kenyatta's membership or participation in political activities.

Kalonzo said the Azimio Council would consider the judgment and determine the way forward in accordance with the coalition's constitution and the law.

The coalition subsequently rebranded as The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) in September, with Kalonzo saying the decision had been unanimously agreed upon by parties within the faction.