Wiper Patriotik Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has moved to settle questions surrounding Uhuru Kenyatta’s continued role in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party after the former president gave up his position as Jubilee Party chairman following a High Court ruling.
The Azimio leader said the judgment does not prevent Uhuru from remaining a member of a political party or taking part in political activities, even though retired presidents can no longer occupy formal leadership positions in political parties.
Kalonzo said he will now bring together members of the Azimio Council and National Executive Committee to determine what the ruling means for Uhuru’s position as chairman of the coalition’s Council.
The announcement followed Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s judgment delivered on Monday, September 14, 2026, which barred retired presidents from holding formal party leadership positions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, Kalonzo welcomed Uhuru’s decision to comply with the ruling, saying it showed respect for the judiciary and reflected statesmanship.
He, however, pointed out that the court decision raises two distinct issues concerning Uhuru’s political roles.
“Two separate questions arise from that judgment,” Kalonzo said, separating the former president’s position in Jubilee from his role in Azimio.
Kalonzo said the coalition leadership would examine the matter before making a decision on Uhuru’s position within Azimio.
He said the process would take into account the High Court judgment as well as the coalition’s constitution, the Political Parties Act and the Deed of Agreement.
“I will convene a joint session of the Council and the National Executive Committee for that purpose, and its outcome will be communicated to Kenyans in good time,” he said.
Once the coalition reaches a decision, Kalonzo said any resulting changes would be submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
The Wiper leader also made clear that Uhuru’s departure from the Jubilee chairmanship should not be interpreted as an end to his political involvement.
Kalonzo says Uhuru can remain politically active
According to Kalonzo, the judgment deals with the occupation of political party offices and does not take away a retired president’s right to belong to a party or participate in political affairs.
He said Justice Mugambi had made a distinction between serving in a formal party position and exercising the constitutional right to political participation.
“The law speaks to the holding of office. It does not speak to belonging,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo further said Jubilee would continue to play a role within Azimio, adding that the coalition would continue to benefit from Uhuru’s counsel.
This means the former president can continue engaging in political activities and discussions despite having surrendered his formal position in Jubilee.
Azimio begins fresh push ahead of 2027
Away from the dispute over Uhuru’s position, Kalonzo announced that Azimio was preparing for a major overhaul ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said the coalition would refresh its internal structures, policy platform and approach to engaging the public as it seeks to build a renewed and inclusive political outfit.
“This season also marks the beginning of a comprehensive rebranding of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party,” Kalonzo said.
The changes come as political parties and coalitions prepare for the 2027 elections, with the future roles of senior leaders and the question of coalition leadership expected to remain central to the political realignment.