Jubilee Calls for New Coalition, Considers Ukombozi Alliance Exit
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has called on the party to reconsider its position in the Ukombozi Alliance, questioning its role in the coalition.
In a statement on Thursday, October 8, Kioni raised questions about Jubilee’s involvement in the coalition a day after former President Uhuru Kenyatta resigned as its chairperson.
In an exclusive interview with NTV, Jubilee Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni says the coalition, now rebranding as the Ukombozi Alliance, was detrimental to Jubilee’s national presence in 2022, arguing that the party has little to gain from staying in Azimio next year and should instead seek a new coalition.
Uhuru’s resignation followed the handover of Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Kioni, a former Ndaragwa MP, said Jubilee should reconsider its position in Ukombozi and push for a new and more inclusive coalition.
"I really don't understand what we are doing as Jubilee in this whole Azimio/Ukombozi arrangement," Kioni stated.
He called for a new coalition that respects all parties, describing the current Ukombozi Alliance structure as an old formation that does not give other parties a meaningful place at the table.
"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.
His remarks come a day after former President and former Jubilee Party leader, Uhuru Kenyatta, resigned as the Ukombozi Alliance chairperson.
This comes as DCP and Linda Mwananchi appear to be warming to each other, potentially forming a coalition away from Azimio, in what could further complicate Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s efforts to revive the 2022 political behemoth, following the high-profile departures of ODM and Martha Karua’s People’s Liberation Party.
In a statement dated Monday, October 5, Uhuru said his resignation followed the handover of the Jubilee Party and a court order barring retired presidents from holding party positions.
"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," Uhuru stated.
Following his resignation, the coalition announced it was considering either the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, or Siaya Governor James Orengo as a possible replacement for the coalition's leadership.
The Ukombozi Alliance, formerly known as the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition, brings together several parties, including Wiper and Jubilee, and is seeking to expand its membership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The coalition is courting parties in the wider opposition, including DCP and the Linda Mwananchi Movement, as it seeks to field a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
Ukombozi is led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, with People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua serving as deputy coalition leader and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi as Secretary-General.