Kalonzo names Matiang’i, Orengo to lead Ukombozi Alliance Council

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 5 – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has named former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Siaya Governor James Orengo as Chairman and co-chair of the Ukombozi Alliance Council, downplaying divisions within the opposition as leaders reorganise ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kalonzo announced the appointments on Wednesday upon arrival at Kisumu International Airport at the start of a tour of Migori and Homa Bay counties, describing the emerging political formation as a broader coalition bringing together leaders committed to challenging President William Ruto.

The announcement comes amid competing political initiatives within the opposition, with leaders exploring different formations and possible presidential arrangements ahead of the next elections.

Kalonzo sought to dismiss suggestions of a fractured opposition, insisting that the alliance was bringing together leaders with a common political objective.

“Those who are busy counting our disagreements should know that we are going to the people together, and the people are waiting for us,” he said, describing the movement as a “super alliance”.

He added: “This country has had enough of the predator regime. Komboa Kenya is what we are about, and with Matiang’i and Orengo at the table, we are ready for the work ahead.”

Kalonzo said the appointments reflected the experience and national standing of the two leaders, adding that they would help steer the alliance’s political direction.

The Wiper leader said both leaders brought valuable experience to the alliance.

“Matiang’i knows how government works and how to get it to deliver. Orengo has stood for the Constitution when it was dangerous to do so. Kenyans will see that in the Alliance,” he said.

The appointments mark another step in the restructuring of the Ukombozi Alliance, which emerged from the rebranding of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition on September 21.

Kalonzo announced the change of name, saying the decision had been reached unanimously by the coalition’s leadership as it sought a fresh political identity and a more coordinated structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

The formation subsequently secured a key legal reprieve after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal lifted orders suspending its registration process in proceedings involving Allan Jayuga Akivaga, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and the Wiper Democratic Movement-Kenya.

The decision cleared the way for the Registrar of Political Parties to proceed with the registration in accordance with the Political Parties Act.

The alliance has positioned itself as a vehicle for consolidating opposition parties and widening cooperation ahead of the next General Election, as different political leaders pursue consultations on a possible joint challenge to Ruto.

Kalonzo’s latest appointments signal an effort to bring experienced political and legal figures into the alliance’s leadership as it seeks to establish itself as a broader opposition platform.