Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has signaled a major restructuring of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition as opposition leaders begin early preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a televised interview on Citizen TV Sunday night, Kalonzo said consultations are ongoing within the opposition alliance, also known as the United Alternative Government, to rebrand Azimio into a more formidable political vehicle capable of fielding a single presidential candidate.
The former vice president indicated that the coalition could adopt a new identity, with Ukombozi emerging as a possible name.
“We are in the process of forming a formidable coalition,” Kalonzo said. “We already have a vehicle. Let’s use it, perhaps with a new name that reflects the aspirations of Kenyans.”
Kalonzo said he has taken over leadership of Azimio from Raila Odinga, while former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who chairs the coalition council, is expected to step back from active leadership ahead of the polls.
The transition comes amid internal restructuring efforts within the coalition, including disputes over key appointments. Kalonzo raised concerns about delays in formalising leadership changes, particularly the position of secretary general.
He dismissed the appointment of Suba South MP Karoli Omondi, maintaining that Martha Karua remains the legitimate office holder.
“If those changes had been properly registered and gazetted, we would not be having this discussion,” he said, urging coalition partners to streamline internal processes.
Push for opposition unity
Kalonzo emphasised that unity remains the opposition’s strongest strategy, drawing parallels with the 2002 elections when rival factions merged to form a winning alliance.
He said discussions are underway to rally leaders behind a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto.
“Like in 2002, we must come together and speak with one voice,” Kalonzo said. “That is how we can deliver change.”
Despite positioning himself as a strong contender, Kalonzo said he is willing to step aside if consensus among opposition leaders requires it, noting that he has done so before.
“I will be the first among equals if that is what my colleagues decide,” he said. “The goal is bigger than individual ambition.”
Kalonzo confirmed he received the mandate on 10 October last year to pursue the presidency and expressed confidence in his support base, saying Kenyans are ready for change.
He also addressed shifting dynamics within the opposition, including the growing influence of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other emerging leaders.
Kalonzo suggested that while some factions may chart independent paths in the short term, they are likely to converge closer to the elections under a unified agenda.
Drawing from past experience, he likened the situation to the pre 2002 alignment, when leaders from different political camps eventually united under a single coalition.
“What is happening now is not unusual,” he said. “We will come together at the right time.”
As Kenya political landscape begins to shift ahead of 2027, the proposed Azimio rebrand signals a renewed push by the opposition to reorganise, consolidate support and mount a stronger challenge in the next election cycle.
