Africa-Press – Kenya. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally initiated the process of withdrawing from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, citing repeated violations by some coalition partners.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened in Mombasa to review recent developments within the coalition and expressed concern over what it described as sustained breaches of the coalition agreement.
“Certain erstwhile coalition partners have acted in violation of the deed of agreement that established Azimio la Umoja,” said Catherine Omanyo, who read the official statement on behalf of the NEC.
“In light of these continued breaches, and to safeguard the unity and strategic direction of ODM, the NEC has resolved to initiate the formal process of withdrawal in line with constitutional provisions.”
The NEC’s decision comes amid growing tensions within Azimio.
On February 5, the Coalition unveiled a major reorganisation of its top leadership in a move it said is aimed at revitalising it and sharpening its political strategy ahead of the next phase of national engagement.
Under the chairmanship of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, a joint session of the Azimio Council and the National Executive Committee was held on Monday, February 2, 2026, during which key leadership appointments were unanimously approved.
The decisions have since been formally communicated to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
In the changes, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was appointed Party Leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, cementing his role as a central figure in steering the coalition’s political direction.
Suba MP Caroli Omondi was named Secretary General, while former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia was appointed Executive Director.
The coalition said the appointments were necessitated by “evolving political circumstances” that demanded prompt and strategic leadership adjustments to strengthen internal coordination and effectiveness.
“These changes are part of a deliberate effort to reposition and revitalise the coalition,” Azimio said in a statement following the meeting.
ODM, however, disputed the changes and wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties.
The party described the moves, including the appointment of the Secretary General, as illegal and outside the coalition’s established legal framework.
In a letter addressed to Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou, ODM expressed its objection to the resolutions passed during a council meeting held on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Signed by ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, the letter argues that the meeting and its decisions were ultra vires, meaning they were beyond the legal authority of those who convened it.
“Our attention has been drawn to a meeting of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council held on Monday, 2nd February 2026, which purported to effect changes to the leadership of the Coalition, including the position of Secretary General,” reads the letter.
