Kalonzo Musyoka names Fred Matiang’i and James Orengo to lead the council as opposition principals prepare a new alliance for the 2027 elections.
Kalonzo Musyoka has announced Azimio leadership changes, naming Fred Matiang’i and James Orengo to lead the Ukombozi Alliance council. He also signalled plans for a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Azimio Executive Director Phillip Kisia confirmed the appointments in a statement following Kalonzo’s announcement on Thursday, November 5. Kisia named Jubilee Party leader Matiang’i as chairman and Siaya Governor Orengo as co-chair.
Speaking at Kisumu International Airport, Kalonzo said the two leaders would chair the council together. He cited their years of national service as grounds for choosing them.
Azimio leadership changes follow Uhuru’s exit
The appointments follow former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s resignation as Azimio council chairperson. His departure came after a court order limiting retired presidents from holding party positions six months after retirement.
Following Uhuru’s exit, Azimio had raised the possibility of appointing two co-chairs to fill the vacancy. It identified Orengo and Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua as possible replacements.
However, the latest announcement places Matiang’i alongside Orengo, leaving Gachagua out of the council’s top leadership. Kalonzo said the pair’s experience would help the alliance carry out its political work.
The appointments also come as opposition principals debate their presidential candidate, despite agreeing to support one contender.
Kalonzo signals Super Alliance for 2027
Meanwhile, Kalonzo said the opposition was developing a coalition called the Super Alliance. He said the proposed alliance would challenge President William Ruto’s broad-based side in the 2027 elections.
The Wiper leader urged Kenyans to remain calm as work on the alliance continued. His announcement comes amid disputes among opposition principals over the process of choosing a joint presidential flagbearer.
Matiang’i and former Attorney General Justin Muturi have accused Gachagua of bullying and creating divisions within the opposition. Their criticism reflects tensions among leaders who have agreed to front a single candidate.
Gachagua, however, maintains that each principal must consolidate their political base and build sufficient support. He argues that contenders should not expect others to hand them the opposition’s presidential ticket.
