Section of Azimio allied parties cry foul over leadership changes

National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Muli/FILE

A section of political parties allied to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has expressed strong opposition to recent leadership changes within the outfit.

The complaints, spearheaded by the National Liberal Party (NLP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP), allege that a meeting convened by Azimio chair, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, was largely secretive and included parties that had already publicly indicated their intention to exit the coalition.

In a letter to the Registrar of Political Parties, seen by The Star, UDP Organising Secretary Erick Machanja formally objected to the appointments and resolutions made during the February 2, 2026 meeting.

“Political party coalitions are living agreements and not mere tombstones,” Machanja wrote, emphasising that the recent actions go against the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability that Azimio was built upon.

He added, “In light of the aforementioned, we, the undersigned founding Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition political party affiliates, reject in totality the resolutions submitted to you.”

The parties are now seeking legal redress in a competent court of law, signaling a possible escalation of the dispute.

In addition to contesting the leadership changes, the parties have demanded detailed documentation from the Registrar’s office to clarify the legitimacy of the process.

Among the requests are the Azimio Coalition Political Party Deed of Agreement, the status of Azimio membership as of February 1, 2026, notice and minutes of the purported meeting held on February 2, 2026, the statutory form PP7 on the change of officials submitted to the Registrar, and the attendance list of the meeting.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was appointed Party Leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, succeeding Raila Odinga, who passed away in October last year.

The announcement was made on February 3, 2026, during a joint session of the Azimio Council and the National Executive Committee, chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The meeting also saw key leadership changes within the coalition, including the removal of Junet Mohamed as Secretary General, replaced by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, and the appointment of former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia as Executive Director.

In accepting the appointment, Kalonzo described the position as a collective responsibility aimed at national renewal. “I graciously accept my appointment as Party Leader of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. I thank our chairman, President Uhuru Kenyatta, and all constituent parties for this trust,” he said.

The NLP and UDP, in particular, argue that the manner in which the meeting was convened undermines the spirit of collective decision-making that should guide the coalition.