Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni has questioned the party’s continued involvement in the Ukombozi Alliance, calling for a fresh coalition that brings more parties and leaders on board.
Kioni raised the issue on Thursday, October 8, a day after former President Uhuru Kenyatta resigned from his leadership position in the coalition.
He said Jubilee should rethink its position in the Ukombozi Alliance, which was formed after the rebranding of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
“I really don’t understand what we are doing as Jubilee in this whole Azimio/Ukombozi arrangement,” Kioni said.
He argued that the opposition should move away from existing political formations and work on a new arrangement where all parties have a meaningful role.
“At this point, I believe we should be thinking beyond the old formations and working towards a new, genuinely inclusive coalition that brings everyone on board and gives every voice a place at the table,” he added.
Kioni’s remarks came shortly after Uhuru stepped down as chair of the coalition’s council.
Uhuru announced his resignation in a letter dated October 5, saying the decision followed the handover of Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The former President had handed over Jubilee leadership to Matiang’i in September following a High Court ruling on the role of retired presidents in political parties. Uhuru said at the time that he would remain a member of Jubilee and serve as a senior adviser.
His resignation from the coalition has since triggered discussions on the leadership of Ukombozi. The alliance is considering Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Siaya Governor James Orengo for the vacant council position, according to reports.
Kioni’s comments come as opposition parties continue discussions on how to work together ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ukombozi is led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, with Martha Karua serving as deputy leader and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi as secretary-general.
The coalition has also been seeking to bring more parties into its fold as it works on its political plans ahead of the 2027 elections.
