Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has quietly stepped down from his leadership position in the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition. In a letter dated October 5, he told Azimio leaders that he was leaving the top seat so that younger leaders can take over the running of the alliance. The move came just after the official handover of the Jubilee Party leadership, and the former head of state said his exit takes effect immediately after that handover.
Uhuru was quick to say that nobody should read his decision as him walking away from the coalition. He said the step is part of the normal renewal of the institutions that Kenyans have fought to build, and that the political journey that brought Azimio's parties together is still very much alive. For him, this is about making room, not running away.
In his remarks, the retired president said leadership should never be about holding on to a seat for as long as one can. He said true leadership is having the courage to step aside so that the next generation can steer the boat. He urged the coalition to stay broad and open, so that it keeps a home for every Kenyan who believes in the rule of law and good governance, regardless of where they come from.
Uhuru also spoke about what Azimio means to him. He described the coalition as much more than a marriage of convenience put together for an election. According to him, the parties came together because Kenya needs its different political voices to work side by side in defending democracy and pushing the country forward. He compared the parties to rivers that join one big river. Each one keeps its own identity, but together they become a current strong enough to shape the land.
He also explained the role he played inside the leadership, saying his job had been to keep the coalition together and protect it from internal fights. Now that he is stepping down from the office, he promised that he will still be a loyal member of the Azimio family. He said he will support the institution from the back benches and will always be available to give advice whenever the leaders call on him.
Even so, his resignation is a big moment in Kenyan politics. For years, Uhuru has been one of the most visible faces of the opposition, and his decision to hand over the reins will definitely shape how the coalition moves forward. Many will now be watching closely to see who steps up, how the coalition holds together, and whether the new leadership can keep the parties united ahead of the next political season.
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