In a move that has sent tremors through the opposition coalition, Raphael Tuju has resigned as the Executive Director of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition. The seasoned politician’s exit marks a significant fracture in the outfit led by Raila Odinga, raising questions about its future cohesion and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tuju, a man known for his calm demeanor and sharp political instincts, penned a resignation letter that was as polite as it was final. Citing a belief that he could "add no more value" to the coalition at the present time, Tuju bowed out of the high-pressure role he has held since the tumultuous 2022 election period. His departure is seen by insiders not just as a personal decision, but as a symptom of the deepening malaise within the opposition ranks.

"No More Value to Add"

The resignation letter, addressed to the coalition’s leadership, was devoid of the usual political bitterness but heavy with implication. "I still look forward to working with you in future," Tuju wrote, maintaining a bridge with his former allies. However, his statement that he sees no further value he can contribute is a damning indictment of the current state of affairs within Azimio. It suggests a stagnation or strategic drift that a man of Tuju’s caliber could no longer countenance.

Sources close to the former Jubilee Secretary General suggest he has been uncomfortable with the recent direction of the coalition, particularly the internal wrangles and the lack of a clear counter-strategy to the current administration. Tuju, who served as a Cabinet Secretary without portfolio under President Uhuru Kenyatta, has always been a proponent of structured politics—something Azimio has struggled to maintain in recent months.

The Cracks Widen in Azimio

Tuju’s exit is the latest in a series of blows to the coalition. It comes against a backdrop of shifting alliances and the growing restlessness of junior partners who feel sidelined. His role as Executive Director was crucial; he was the technocrat in the engine room, managing the complex egos and conflicting interests of the diverse member parties.

• The Brain Drain: Tuju’s departure strips Azimio of one of its most experienced strategists, a man who navigated the treacherous waters of the Handshake era.
• Uhuru’s Shadow: As a key ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Tuju’s resignation may signal a wider withdrawal of the "Jubilee faction" from active participation in Azimio’s daily operations.
• 2027 Implications: Without a strong secretariat, Raila Odinga’s machinery for the next election cycle looks increasingly fragile.

What Next for the Cabinet Secretary-Turned-Technocrat?

Speculation is already rife about Tuju’s next move. A successful businessman with vast interests in real estate and hospitality, he may choose to retreat to the private sector. However, in Kenyan politics, retirement is rarely permanent. Some analysts predict he may be repositioning himself for a new role, possibly as a neutral broker or even warming up to the government of the day, a path trodden by many before him.

For now, Azimio is left to fill a gaping hole in its secretariat. Replacing Raphael Tuju will require finding someone with the gravity to command respect across the tribal divide and the thick skin to survive the coalition’s internal wars. As the news settles, the silence from the coalition’s principals is deafening, perhaps an acknowledgement that they have lost one of their most valuable assets.