ODM Set to Exit Azimio, Oburu Odinga Says as He Hits Out at Uhuru
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is poised to formally withdraw from the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya coalition, with party leader Oburu Odinga accusing former President Uhuru Kenyatta of interference and unilateral decision-making within the alliance.
Speaking during the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa on Tuesday, Oburu declared that the party had already severed ties with Azimio in principle and was now preparing to formalise its exit.
“We left it a long time ago; it is only a formality that we have not performed, which we are going to perform very soon. We are going to exit that moribund organisation called Azimio. We are going to move out,” Oburu asserted.
His remarks signal deepening cracks within the opposition coalition, which was formed ahead of the 2022 General Election. ODM has been one of the principal parties within Azimio, alongside Wiper and other affiliate parties.
Oburu maintained that ODM remains the largest and most influential party in the coalition and therefore cannot be sidelined in key decisions. He criticised recent leadership changes announced by Azimio chairperson Uhuru Kenyatta, including the appointment of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as coalition leader.
“This thing called Azimio — we are Azimio. The majority, the strongest party in Azimio, was ourselves as ODM,” he said.
He further argued that no legitimate resolutions can be passed without ODM’s participation and consent.
“There is nobody who can make decisions in Azimio without the concurrence of ODM, and you cannot pretend to appoint a new leader of Azimio, excluding and bypassing this party. If ODM has not agreed, then there is nothing like a resolution of Azimio,” Oburu stated.
The controversy follows a raft of changes within the coalition’s leadership structure. Among them was the removal of Junet Mohamed as Secretary General, with Suba South MP Caroli Omondi taking over the role. Philip Kisia was appointed organising secretary following the resignation of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.
Political analysts say the developments reflect broader realignments within the opposition, amid shifting alliances and internal power struggles as parties position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
During his address, Oburu also turned his attention inward, cautioning ODM members against publicly contradicting official party resolutions. While acknowledging the democratic space within the party, he expressed dissatisfaction with what he termed as indiscipline among certain leaders.
“I am not very happy that when we pass resolutions here, some of the members of the central committee go out to say contrary to what we have agreed,” he said.
Though he did not elaborate extensively, Oburu referenced party officials who have recently expressed divergent views under the banner of “Linda Mwananchi,” a movement advocating for people-centred politics. Those mentioned include Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Senator James Orengo.
The unfolding dispute raises questions about the future of opposition unity in Kenya’s evolving political landscape. Azimio was initially formed as a broad-based coalition aimed at consolidating opposition support, but internal disagreements have increasingly played out in public forums.
Observers note that a formal exit by ODM would significantly reshape the coalition’s structure and influence Parliament’s opposition dynamics.
As of Tuesday evening, Azimio leadership had not issued an official response to Oburu’s remarks. However, insiders indicate that consultations are ongoing to address tensions within the coalition.
With ODM signalling an imminent departure, attention now shifts to whether reconciliation efforts will emerge or whether Kenya’s opposition will fragment further in the months ahead.
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ODM Set to Exit Azimio, Oburu Odinga Says as He Hits Out at Uhuru
