Kioni questions Jubilee’s role in Ukombozi, calls for new opposition coalition
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has called for a rethink of the party’s role in the Ukombozi Alliance, urging opposition leaders to abandon old political formations and build a broader coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nairobi, Kenya - Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has raised doubts about the party's role within the Azimio-Ukombozi political alliance, urging for a reevaluation of opposition politics leading up to the 2027 General Election. Kioni stated that Jubilee should distance itself from what he identified as "outdated formations" and strive for a new political coalition capable of embracing a wider range of parties and interests.
"I genuinely don't comprehend our involvement in the Azimio/Ukombozi arrangement," Kioni remarked. He advocated for looking beyond existing coalition structures and negotiating a more inclusive coalition where all participating parties have a significant role. "At this juncture, I think we should be contemplating beyond the old formations and working towards a genuinely inclusive coalition that incorporates everyone and provides every voice a seat at the table," he added.
Kioni's comments arrive at a crucial time for the opposition following Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition's rebranding as The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) and former President Uhuru Kenyatta's departure from the coalition's top council position. Uhuru officially resigned as Azimio Council chairman on October 5, just days after transferring leadership of Jubilee to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
His resignation has sparked renewed discussions about the future structure and leadership of the opposition coalition. Although Uhuru relinquished his formal position, Ukombozi leader Kalonzo Musyoka has maintained that the former President remains part of the coalition and could continue providing advice. Kalonzo has also clarified that the positions of Party Leader and Chair of Council are distinct.
However, Kioni's push for a new coalition indicates that there are disagreements within Jubilee regarding whether the party's interests are adequately represented within the current Ukombozi structure. His call for a fresh coalition precedes opposition parties' intensified efforts to form a strong alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Ukombozi is attempting to expand its membership, engaging parties and political figures beyond the existing Azimio structure. Names such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Siaya Governor James Orengo have been mentioned in talks surrounding the coalition's future leadership. Kioni's stance, however, seems to extend beyond merely replacing Uhuru within the coalition hierarchy.
He is advocating for a political overhaul where Jubilee and other parties would have more influence in shaping the opposition's structure, leadership, and electoral strategy. Kioni has also expressed dissatisfaction over not securing the Jubilee leadership position following Uhuru's decision to step down, stating his interest in the role was valid but admitting disappointment when it went to someone else.
His latest remarks further contribute to the debate over Jubilee's identity under Matiang'i and its role within the broader opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
