The decision, announced following a National Executive Committee meeting in the coastal city of Mombasa, marks the culmination of weeks of internal tensions over disputed leadership appointments and alleged violations of the coalition’s founding agreement.
“Certain erstwhile coalition partners have acted in violation of the deed of agreement that established Azimio la Umoja,” Catherine Omanyo told reporters, reading from an official statement approved by the party’s executive body. “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.”
Leadership Reshuffle Triggers Crisis
The withdrawal process follows Azimio’s Feb. 5 announcement of sweeping leadership changes that ODM now disputes as illegitimate. Under the chairmanship of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the coalition’s council and executive committee convened Feb. 2 to approve new appointments, which were subsequently filed with Kenya’s Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
The reorganization elevated Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to coalition party leader, while installing Suba lawmaker Caroli Omondi as secretary general and former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia as executive director. Coalition officials defended the changes as necessary responses to “evolving political circumstances” requiring strategic leadership adjustments.
“These changes are part of a deliberate effort to reposition and revitalize the coalition,” Azimio said in a statement following the meeting, signaling what it characterized as a new chapter in opposition politics.
Legal Challenge Mounted
ODM has formally challenged the appointments through official channels, filing objections with Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou. In a letter signed by Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, the party argues the Feb. 2 meeting and its resulting decisions were ultra vires — exceeding 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,” the letter states, describing the moves as operating outside the coalition’s established legal framework.
The party particularly contested the secretary general appointment, arguing it violated proper procedural requirements outlined in the coalition agreement.
Regional Implications
The potential dissolution of Azimio could reshape Kenya’s political landscape as the country approaches its next electoral cycle. The coalition, formed in the lead-up to the 2022 general election, brought together multiple parties under a unified opposition banner against President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance.
ODM, led by veteran opposition figure Raila Odinga, represents the coalition’s largest constituent party and draws significant support from western and coastal Kenya. Its departure would leave Azimio significantly weakened and could trigger realignments across the political spectrum.
Political analysts suggest the internal dispute reflects broader tensions over power-sharing arrangements and strategic direction within Kenya’s fractious opposition movement. The coalition has struggled to maintain cohesion since losing the 2022 presidential election, with various factions competing for influence and positioning ahead of future contests.
Neither Kenyatta nor Musyoka has publicly commented on ODM’s withdrawal proceedings. The Registrar of Political Parties has not indicated how it will adjudicate the competing claims over the coalition’s leadership structure.
