Azimio Rebrands as Ukombozi Alliance as Kalonzo Sets Out New Opposition Strategy

Azimio la Umoja has formally adopted a new political identity, with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka announcing that the coalition will now operate as the Ukombozi Alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kalonzo made the announcement on Monday, September 21, during a press briefing attended by several opposition leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo.

“Moving forward, this alliance shall no longer be called the Azimio la Umoja Coalition; we shall be called the Ukombozi Alliance,” Kalonzo said.

The change gives a new name to an opposition coalition that has been undergoing internal restructuring since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and amid wider efforts to build a common political vehicle for the 2027 elections.

Kalonzo has previously indicated that the coalition would be rebranded rather than abandoned altogether.

In a September 15 statement, he said Azimio was beginning a wider process to renew its structures, policy platform and public engagement ahead of the next election. The coalition had also resolved in August to reorganise its structures and pursue a comprehensive rebranding.

One coalition, one-term message

The new political identity is being accompanied by a message centred on “One Term, One Team, One Coalition”, according to Kalonzo.

The slogan points to the wider opposition debate over forming a single political vehicle and eventually agreeing on a common presidential candidate for the 2027 contest.

However, the rebranding does not by itself settle the question of who will lead the wider opposition campaign.

Several opposition formations have been pursuing their own political vehicles and alliances. Among them is the Linda Mwananchi movement, whose leaders are also working towards establishing a political party ahead of the 2027 election.

The debate over Azimio's future has exposed differences within the opposition.

Some leaders, including Kalonzo, have argued that an existing coalition provides a ready political structure instead of starting the registration process for an entirely new outfit.

Others have questioned whether Azimio remains the right vehicle for the next election. The disagreements have been particularly pronounced among leaders associated with the wider United Opposition.

Rebrand follows months of political repositioning

The Ukombozi announcement is therefore not an isolated move.

In August, Azimio said it had resolved to reorganise its structures and rebrand the coalition. The same meeting admitted Fred Matiang’i, Peter Munya and Lenny Kivuti to its council and authorised Kalonzo to engage other political parties and formations.

The coalition has also been dealing with questions surrounding the role of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kalonzo said earlier this month that the High Court ruling requiring retired presidents to relinquish formal party leadership positions would have to be considered by Azimio's council in accordance with the law and the coalition's governing documents.

Uhuru had served as chairman of the Azimio Council.

Kalonzo maintained that the ruling did not prevent the former president from remaining politically active or participating in party affairs.

The leadership question adds another layer to the coalition's restructuring as it prepares for the 2027 polls.

What happens next?

Kalonzo said the new political outfit would begin its next phase of consultations and strategy discussions following the rebranding.

The immediate task will be to give the new name an organisational structure and determine how the alliance will work with other opposition formations that are pursuing separate political arrangements.

The August resolutions had already mandated Kalonzo to engage parties and movements including Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party, Martha Karua's People's Liberation Party, David Maraga's United Green Movement and the Linda Mwananchi movement once its registration process is settled.

For now, the Ukombozi Alliance gives Kalonzo and his allies an existing political vehicle under a new name.

Whether the rebrand can bring together the competing opposition formations remains a question for the negotiations ahead.

The political clock is already running towards the 2027 General Election.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.