The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
The Azimio Council has named Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the new head of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party.
The decision, spearheaded by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, is widely seen as a strong indication that Kalonzo could emerge as the United Opposition’s presidential candidate in the next General Election.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
During the 2022 polls, the coalition was led by Raila Odinga, now deceased, who also flew the Azimio presidential flag.
In the latest changes announced on Tuesday, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was appointed Secretary General, while former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia took over as Executive Director, replacing former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju. Tuju had earlier in the day announced his resignation, just hours before the new appointments were made public.
Until his death on October 15 last year, Raila served as Azimio Party leader, with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed holding the position of Secretary General.
The reorganisation is viewed as a move to sustain the Azimio structure, even as the United Opposition coalition — in which both Wiper and Jubilee are key players — continues to take shape.
According to a statement issued to newsrooms, the changes were agreed upon during a joint meeting of the Azimio Council and the National Executive Committee (NEC) convened by Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday.
Click Here To Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel
The statement said the meeting, chaired by Uhuru in his capacity as Azimio Council chairperson, was held on February 2, 2026, and approved key leadership appointments that have since been communicated to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
“These appointments were necessitated by evolving political realities that demanded swift and strategic leadership adjustments,” the statement noted.
However, Uhuru’s move has sparked debate over his broader political intentions. By elevating Kalonzo within Azimio, the former President is seen as carefully balancing competing interests, raising questions about his long-term plans, particularly regarding former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The development comes shortly after Uhuru and Kalonzo travelled together to Nigeria — a trip political insiders interpret as part of wider behind-the-scenes realignments.
Analysts say the decision sends mixed signals, especially at a time when Uhuru has appeared less enthusiastic about the Rigathi Gachagua-led United Opposition.
Political analyst Martin Andati argues that Kalonzo’s elevation is a clear pointer to Uhuru’s 2027 strategy. According to Andati, reviving the Azimio la Umoja framework and positioning Kalonzo at the helm suggests Uhuru is backing the Wiper leader over Matiang’i.
“Kalonzo is the candidate. Internal opinion polls have already been conducted. Uhuru’s recent visit to Nigeria with Kalonzo was about introducing him to international networks and mobilising resources,” Andati said.
He added that the move goes beyond internal party reorganisation and is instead a calculated effort to quietly consolidate support around Kalonzo.
Andati further noted that the revival of Azimio is aimed at attracting ODM leaders who remain firmly opposed to President William Ruto but are uncomfortable aligning with the Gachagua-led opposition bloc.
“There are sections of ODM that do not want to move to Gachagua’s camp. That is the group Uhuru is targeting by breathing life back into Azimio,” he said.
Uhuru, he added, is positioning Azimio as an alternative political platform for such leaders as succession politics begin to intensify.
