A growing number of parties within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition (Azimio) have demanded that Minority Leader Junet Mohamed step down, accusing him of undermining the coalition, mishandling campaign funds, and making statements they say insult former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The move highlights rising tensions within the alliance as it prepares for the next election cycle.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, National Liberal Party leader Augustus Kyalo Muli, speaking on behalf of more than ten allied parties, accused Junet of issuing “reckless and defamatory statements” that have damaged Uhuru’s image and weakened the coalition’s standing as an opposition group. Defending the former president, they said he “served the country with dignity, safeguarded territorial integrity, promoted national cohesion, and oversaw a peaceful transfer of power.”
They added, “Any attempt to diminish that legacy is dishonest and insulting to millions of Kenyans.”
The parties, including the United Democratic Party (UDP), United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Labour Party of Kenya (LPK), People’s Transformation Party (PTP), and United Progressive Front (UPF), also raised concerns about Junet’s management of agents’ funds during the 2022 elections. They argued that the alleged mishandling hindered grassroots mobilisation, reduced oversight at polling stations, and contributed to repeated losses in the presidential race.
“Such conduct goes beyond incompetence and reflects a pattern of internal sabotage that eroded trust at crucial moments,” the statement read, urging Junet to step down immediately from all Azimio leadership positions.
The coalition members have formally appealed to former President Uhuru Kenyatta to convene a consultative meeting of all parties aligned with Azimio to discuss a new leadership structure.
They argued the meeting is needed following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the exit of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, and the expected resignation of Junet.
Azimio, formed on March 12, 2022, originally united 26 registered political parties under principles of unity, reform, and democratic governance. Although some parties have since left, the NLP and its allies say the coalition remains active and relevant.
The group said the proposed talks should address filling vacant posts within the National Executive Council, restoring discipline, and preparing the coalition for the 2027 general elections.
“This is not a moment of division, but a moment of reckoning,” they said. “Azimio must remove actions and actors working against its goals if it is to remain a strong and credible opposition.”
The coalition reaffirmed its role as an opposition force, urging members to continue holding the government accountable despite some aligning with President William Ruto’s administration.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga responded to the dispute, saying no member will be expelled for differing views.
Speaking during ODM’s first public rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibera, he said, “Sisi hatuna nia ya kufukuza mtu kwa chama. Mtu akitaka kutoka kwa chama aondoke mwenyewe. Lakini sisi tunataka tuimarishe chama chetu. Tukiwa pamoja ndio tutakuwa na nguvu na kujadiliana tukiwa na nguvu.”
Oburu outlined the party’s focus on forming a government in 2027, either independently or through coalitions.
“Sisi tumeamua tutaendelea mbele vile Baba Raila alituacha kwa broad-based. Tutakuwa hapo mpaka 2027, lakini kabla ya hapo tunajitarisha kwa kujadialiana na vyama vingine. Ni lazima tuhakikishe tutakuwa pamoja na tunajitayarisha,” he said.
He stressed that internal differences are normal in a democratic party, echoing his remarks from the Central Committee meeting on January 10, 2025. “Unaashiria kuwa kuna tofauti baina ya members wa party. Hamna, Ile iko in demokrasia ambayo party hii imeruhusu watu koungea maoni tofauti tofauti. Sisi tumeazimia kuendelea kuimarsha hiki chama na kitaendelea kuwa pamoja,” he said.
ODM MPs and grassroots leaders, led by Kibera MP Peter Orero and Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o, warned against challenging the new leadership.
Orero said, “This is the famous Kamukunji grounds; it is here where the politics of Raila began. It is Baba who has been leading us, and just like our Baba, Oburu is also Owadgi Gi Akinyi. As a party, our Central Committee Management (CCM) reached a decision, and we affirm the party’s new directive and urge all to stick to it.”
Jalang’o added, “We want to affirm that our leader is Oburu, and let no one negotiate anything without his consent. Baba left us in ODM and broad-based, and that is where we are and in the two terms.” Other leaders, including Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang, Mandera East MP Hussein Weytan, and Dandora MCA Dan Oria, echoed calls for respect of the new leadership.
ODM has been grappling with internal tensions since the death of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, as party officials openly clash over strategy and leadership direction.
