Azimio at a Crossroads:NLP Leads Resistance as Azimio Leadership Shake-Up Sparks Tensions
Augustus Muli and Allied Parties Challenge Coalition Changes
A section of political parties allied to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has openly rejected recent leadership changes within the coalition, signaling rising tensions ahead of the 2027 elections. The opposition is being spearheaded by Augustus Muli, Party Leader of the National Liberal Party (NLP), alongside the United Democratic Party (UDP).
The dispute stems from a February 2, 2026 meeting convened by Azimio Chair, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, which saw Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka appointed as the new Party Leader of Azimio, succeeding the late Raila Odinga. Other changes included 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 a formal objection to the Registrar of Political Parties, NLP SECRETARY GENERAL Omondi K’oyoo and UDP Organising Secretary Erick Machanja criticized the process as secretive and non-inclusive. “Political party coalitions are living agreements and not mere tombstones,” Machanja stated, emphasizing that the recent actions violated principles of transparency, accountability, and collective decision-making.
The resisting parties are now seeking detailed documentation from the Registrar’s office, including the coalition’s Deed of Agreement, minutes of the February 2 meeting, and the attendance list, signaling a possible legal challenge if the appointments are deemed irregular.
While coalition leaders describe the reshuffle as a step toward national renewal, Muli’s leadership in contesting the changes underscores the fragile nature of Azimio’s unity. Analysts suggest that how the coalition resolves these disputes will have major implications for its electoral strategy and cohesion in the run-up to 2027.
