The National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr Augustus Muli/FILEThe National Liberal Party (NLP), a constituent party of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, has formally objected to the purported decision to rebrand or restructure the coalition as the “Ukombozi Alliance.”
In a statement, the NLP said it was concerned that it learnt of the proposed change through public announcements and media reports, rather than through formal consultation with constituent parties.
The party said it had not been provided with documentation demonstrating that the decision was reached through the appropriate organs and procedures of the coalition.
“This is particularly concerning given the NLP’s previous attempts to engage the Coalition leadership constructively,” the party said, noting that it had written to the Azimio leadership on several occasions seeking dialogue on coalition matters.
“However, to date, we have not received a substantive response,” the party said.
The NLP argued that proceeding with what it considers a fundamental restructuring without meaningful engagement with constituent parties raises questions about compliance with Azimio’s agreed governance and decision-making procedures.
The party further maintained that changes to a registered political coalition cannot be effected solely through public announcements, arguing that any alteration to the coalition’s name, identity, structure, governance, assets, liabilities or legal obligations must follow the applicable legal and contractual framework.
According to the NLP, it has formally written to the Azimio leadership and the Registrar of Political Parties to place its objection on record and seek clarification on the legal and procedural basis of the proposed change.
Among the documents requested by the party are the notice convening the relevant meeting, the agenda, attendance register, certified minutes and resolutions purportedly adopted.
The NLP is also seeking details of the provisions of the Coalition Agreement relied upon to effect the proposed changes, as well as copies of any legal or other instruments submitted, or intended to be submitted, to the Registrar of Political Parties.
The party has also raised concerns over the financial and contractual implications of the proposed restructuring.
“Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has assets, liabilities, financial obligations, contracts and other legal interests that affect its constituent parties,” the NLP said.
“These matters must be properly identified, accounted for and protected before any restructuring or alteration of the Coalition’s legal status is implemented.”
The party said its position was “clear and unequivocal,” insisting that it does not consent to, or recognise as binding upon it, any purported change to the coalition’s name, identity, structure or legal status unless the relevant provisions of the Coalition Agreement and the law have been fully complied with.
The NLP nevertheless said it remained committed to political cooperation, dialogue and unity of purpose.
“Cooperation must be founded on transparency, good faith, meaningful consultation, adherence to agreed procedures and respect for the rights of all constituent parties,” it said.
The party added that it had reserved its legal and contractual rights and would pursue appropriate mechanisms under the Coalition Agreement and the law to protect its interests and those of its members.
