ODM Rejects Uhuru-Backed Azimio Leadership Changes
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally objected to recent changes in the leadership of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, setting the stage for a fresh political dispute within the opposition alliance barely two years to the 2027 General Election.
In a letter dated Wednesday, February 5, and addressed to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen described the leadership changes as unlawful and in breach of the coalition’s governing agreement. The letter protests decisions made during a meeting of the Azimio Coalition Council held on February 2, which reportedly approved changes to key leadership positions, including that of secretary general.
According to ODM, the meeting and its resolutions were unconstitutional and procedurally flawed. The party argued that the changes were effected without the knowledge, participation, or consent of the ODM party leader, who is a principal signatory to the Azimio coalition agreement.
In its submission to the Registrar, ODM maintained that leadership decisions within the coalition cannot be made unilaterally or by a limited group of individuals. “The clear import is that the appointment and removal of members of the coalition council, including the secretary general, is a collective preserve of the party leaders of the coalition’s constituent parties,” the letter states. It further adds, “The power to appoint or remove is therefore neither unilateral nor vested in a single party leader, a clique of leaders, nor the coalition council acting independently.”
The party anchored its objections on Article 6 of the Azimio Deed of Agreement, which outlines the composition and mandate of the coalition council. Under the agreement, the council comprises 11 members, including the secretary general, and any appointment or removal must be collectively agreed upon by the leaders of all constituent parties.
These parties include the Jubilee Party, the Orange Democratic Movement, the Wiper Democratic Movement, and authorised representatives of the Mwanzo Mpya Caucus. ODM insists that any deviation from this framework undermines the legality and integrity of the coalition’s governance structures.
As a result, ODM has formally requested the ORPP to suspend and freeze the implementation of any resolutions made during the February 2 meeting until there is full compliance with the Deed of Agreement. The party argues that allowing the changes to stand would set a dangerous precedent and weaken internal democracy within political coalitions.
The protest comes just days after Azimio announced a major reorganisation of its leadership as part of what insiders described as an early strategy to strengthen the coalition ahead of the 2027 polls. During the disputed meeting, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was named the Party Leader of the Azimio coalition, while Suba MP Caroli Omondi was appointed secretary general.
Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia was also appointed executive director in the meeting, which was chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the coalition’s chief patron. The announcements signalled an attempt to revitalise the coalition’s leadership and streamline its campaign machinery.
However, ODM’s objection exposes underlying tensions within Azimio, raising questions about cohesion and consensus at a time when opposition parties are expected to consolidate ahead of the next electoral cycle. Political analysts note that how the dispute is resolved could significantly influence the coalition’s stability and public image in the coming months.
The Registrar of Political Parties is yet to publicly respond to ODM’s request.
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ODM Rejects Uhuru-Backed Azimio Leadership Changes
