The rebranding of Azimio la Umoja to The Ukombozi Alliance has encountered immediate resistance from two member parties, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and the National Liberal Party (NLP). The DCP announced it would not join the alliance, citing concerns about the role of the Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou, and the need for parties within the new formation to unite among themselves.
Deputy DCP leader Cleophas Malalah expressed concerns that the registrar was being used to fracture the opposition by awarding the Ukombozi name to the Azimio grouping while denying it to others, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. The DCP's representation at the meeting where the rebranding was unveiled was limited, with former MP Maoka Maore attending in the absence of senior officials.
The NLP separately wrote to both the Registrar of Political Parties and the Azimio leadership requesting formal documentation and clarity on the rebrand. Party leader Augustus Muli criticised the process, faulting it for lacking transparency. Wiper Patriotic Front leader and Azimio principal Kalonzo Musyoka sought to downplay the divisions, insisting that leaders who did not attend the meeting remained aligned with the coalition.
Kalonzo Musyoka disclosed that there were plans to appoint former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as chairman of the alliance, taking over the role previously held by Uhuru Kenyatta. The coalition is awaiting Gachagua's formal response. The alliance faces unresolved legal challenges, including a court ruling on the Linda Mwananchi name expected on September 30.
President William Ruto met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on September 21, discussing commercial diplomacy and regional peace and security, with critical minerals emerging as a key area of economic cooperation. Rubio sought opportunities for American companies to participate in the sector, particularly in Kenya's mineral resources, including rare earth elements and niobium.
The US is stepping up its interest in Kenya's critical minerals as President Ruto's administration seeks to build processing capacity locally rather than export the resources in raw form. International interest is growing in Kenya's mineral resources, particularly at Mrima Hill in Kwale County, valued at an estimated $62.4 billion and $35 billion, respectively.
However, Kwale residents have filed a petition in the High Court seeking to block government mining plans, citing threats to their land, water, cultural heritage, and livelihoods. US and Australian firms are interested in prospecting at Mrima Hill. The meeting between President Ruto and Rubio highlights the growing economic cooperation between the US and Kenya.
Key points
- The rebranding of Azimio la Umoja to The Ukombozi Alliance faces resistance from member parties DCP and NLP.
- President Ruto meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss critical minerals and economic cooperation.
- Kenya's mineral resources, particularly rare earth elements and niobium, attract international interest.
