Matiang’i, Orengo to Lead Opposition Ukombozi Alliance Council
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has named Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i as chairman and Siaya Governor James Orengo as co-chair of the Ukombozi Alliance Council.
Kalonzo announced the appointments on Thursday upon his arrival at Kisumu International Airport at the start of a tour of Migori and Homa Bay counties.
He defended the choice of the two leaders, citing their experience in public administration and their contributions to Kenya's democratic development.
“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 added.
Matiang'i served in several Cabinet positions under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, including ICT, Education and Interior, before taking over the leadership of Jubilee Party.
Orengo, a Senior Counsel and veteran opposition politician, has been involved in the struggle for multiparty democracy and constitutional reforms for decades.
He served as Lands Minister, Siaya Senator and Senate Minority Leader before being elected governor in 2022. He also led the legal team in the 2017 presidential election petition that resulted in the nullification of the presidential election
The Wiper leader described the development as a major step towards building a united opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo announced the appointments on Thursday upon his arrival at Kisumu International Airport at the start of a tour of Migori and Homa Bay counties.
Kalonzo sought to reassure Kenyans over the state of opposition unity, dismissing concerns about disagreements among leaders seeking to form a united political front.
“I want to tell Kenyans, relax. The Super Alliance is in the making. We have chosen two people who have given this country years of service, and they will chair the Council of the Ukombozi Alliance together,” he said.
“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 described the alliance as an effort to rescue the country from what he termed a predatory regime, insisting that opposition leaders were focused on building a formidable alternative.
“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.