The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has formally changed its name to the Ukombozi Alliance, marking a major reorganisation of the opposition formation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced the change on Monday, saying coalition members had unanimously agreed to adopt the new identity.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta will remain chairman of the reorganised coalition.
Kalonzo said the decision followed consultations among parties within the coalition and described the change as the beginning of a new phase for the opposition grouping.
The rebranding comes as political parties and leaders intensify preparations for the 2027 elections and opposition figures continue discussions over how they will organise themselves against President William Ruto's governing coalition.
Azimio was established ahead of the 2022 General Election and brought together several political parties behind the presidential candidature of Raila Odinga.
The coalition included the Orange Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party, Wiper and several smaller political formations.
Its political structure has since undergone substantial changes, particularly following shifts in relationships among the parties and leaders that originally formed the coalition.
The adoption of the Ukombozi Alliance name is intended to provide the grouping with a new political identity as its remaining members reorganise ahead of the next election.
The announcement was made in the presence of several opposition figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Attorney General Justin Muturi.
The coalition is expected to continue consultations over its leadership structures, political programme and approach to the 2027 contest.
Uhuru's position as chairman also keeps the former president formally involved in the coalition's leadership during the transition.
Kalonzo said Uhuru was expected to convene a Jubilee Party meeting as part of further consultations, after which additional decisions would be communicated to the alliance.
The rebranding itself does not settle the more consequential questions facing the opposition, including who will eventually become its presidential candidate and which parties will remain within or join the formation.
Those decisions are expected to become increasingly significant as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
For now, the change from Azimio la Umoja to Ukombozi Alliance represents an attempt by participating parties to establish a fresh identity while retaining a coalition structure through which they can coordinate their political activities.
