Peter Mbae, Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has indicated that Kenya’s opposition alliance might adopt a new name ahead of the 2027 General Election, potentially moving away from the Azimio la Umoja brand.
Speaking on K24 TV on August 4, 2026, Mbae explained that opposition leaders are working towards creating a national political movement that unites various parties under a coalition framework rather than merging them into a single party.
New Coalition Structure
"We are coming up with a new structure, a new coalition," Mbae stated. "Members have the right to organise themselves, but we are aiming for a broader national movement that may not carry the ‘Azimio’ name."
This development follows a recent meeting chaired by Azimio leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has been spearheading a reorganisation of the coalition since taking over leadership earlier this year. The coalition has seen notable shifts, including ODM’s withdrawal and efforts to integrate new political figures.
Coalition of Parties, Not a Single Party
Mbae emphasized that while talks on a larger opposition alliance are underway, DCP has not formally entered coalition negotiations. He underscored the party’s preference for maintaining individual party identities within a coalition rather than forming a unified party.
- "We have not yet talked about coalitions," Mbae said. "We will not have a coalition party but a coalition of parties."
- He noted multiple teams are engaged in mobilising and structuring the opposition ahead of the elections.
DCP’s Position
Despite Kalonzo’s outreach efforts, Mbae clarified that DCP remains focused on building its internal structures before committing to any coalition arrangement. The party, linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, intends to stay an independent political force while remaining open to future collaborations.
Looking Ahead
While the Azimio name may be set aside, Mbae affirmed that the coalition’s goal to unite multiple parties for a strong challenge in 2027 remains intact. He anticipates more details on the opposition’s leadership and structure will emerge in the coming months.