Kalonzo addresses possible contention with Sifuna after Azimio takes up Ukombozi name

The Leader of the Ukombozi Alliance, formerly Azimio One Kenya Coalition, Kalonzo Musyoka, has dismissed any contention with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Linda Mwananchi after taking up the ‘Ukombozi’ name.

Kalonzo, who was responding to questions by the press after launching the Ukombozi Alliance on Monday, September 21, maintained that the naming issue was not one to cause friction with Sifuna or Linda Mwananchi.

This came after a journalist asked whether he had considered the repercussions of rebranding Azimio to Ukombozi, yet some Linda Mwananchi leaders planned to launch the Ukombozi People’s Party, where Sifuna is expected to be the party leader and flagbearer.

“You have unveiled the Ukombozi Alliance at a time when Linda Mwananchi is in the process of registering a party called Ukombozi People’s Party. Could you explain to us how you will work around it or if there will be any friction because of that?” Reporter Laban Shaban Posed.

“I want to assure you and fellow Kenyans that our stand is as we have announced publicly;  we are one term, one team, one coalition. We will do whatever it takes to remain together,” Kalonzo responded.

Kalonzo added that the rebranding of Azimio to Ukombozi was occasioned by the limited time left. He explained that the prolonged push and pull between Linda Mwananchi and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties could have unforseen consequences.

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Backed by Siaya Governor James Orengo, the Wiper Leader stated that the name issue was not enough to cause a rift between the Sifuna-led faction and the Ukombozi Alliance.

“We understand that Linda Mwananchi are waiting for a decision from the Registrar of Political Parties. We understand that time is of the essence, and we are only trying to save time.

“When you see us here, we are one team, and we have one purpose. As long as we are one team at the end, then there is no problem with that,” he added.

Orengo praised Kalonzo for the rebranding and for pulling other parties to join the coalition. The two leaders celebrated the High Court for declaring the law that bars former presidents from holding political party office unconstitutional.

They argued that former President Uhuru Kenyatta had the right to engage in political activities just like every other Kenyan.

Nonetheless, Kalonzo confirmed that Uhuru would be handing over his chairmanship of the coalitions council.

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