Kalonzo Accuses State House of Blocking Azimio Leadership Changes as Political Truce Faces New Test

The fragile calm in Kenya’s national politics appears to be under fresh strain following a new standoff between the Azimio la Umoja coalition and the executive.

Barely a week after Azimio, under the guidance of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, unveiled a major leadership overhaul, the move has reportedly been met with resistance from State House.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who was selected to take over as Azimio’s Party Leader, has accused the executive of interfering with the coalition’s internal democratic process. 

According to Kalonzo, State House allegedly instructed the Government Printer to block the gazettement of Azimio’s newly appointed officials.

The dispute follows a significant internal realignment within the coalition. After several senior ODM figures joined President William Ruto’s broad-based government, Azimio moved to replace officials it now considers aligned with the ruling administration. Among those affected were high-profile leaders, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

In a bid to reinforce its identity as a firm opposition outfit, Azimio appointed Kalonzo Musyoka as Party Leader, Caroli Omondi as Secretary General, and Philip Kisia as Executive Director.

Kalonzo maintains that the changes fully complied with the law, noting that they were accepted by the Registrar of Political Parties and announced publicly in local newspapers. 

However, when the names were expected to be formally published in the Kenya Gazette on February 6, 2026, the process allegedly stalled.

The former Vice President says the issue goes beyond leadership titles, arguing that any attempt to interfere with party processes undermines multiparty democracy. 

He further claims the alleged action violates the NADCO agreements, which emphasize strict adherence to the law and protection of democratic institutions.

Political observers say the unfolding standoff could become a critical test of Kenya’s democratic space. If the executive is perceived to be influencing which political party decisions are formalized, concerns may arise over the independence of opposition movements.

As pressure mounts, attention is now focused on State House to explain the alleged delay at the Government Printer and clarify whether due process has been followed.