Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed have exchanged sharp words following claims that the government deliberately blocked the gazettement of Azimio la Umoja’s new coalition leadership.
The dispute erupted after Kalonzo alleged that State House instructed the Government Printer to halt the publication of leadership changes approved by Azimio’s National Delegates Council earlier this month.
According to Kalonzo, the move undermines Kenya’s commitment to multiparty democracy and violates agreements reached during the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) talks, which he co-chaired.
“Blocking legitimate leadership changes contradicts the principle of fidelity to the law that we agreed on during NADCO,” Kalonzo said, warning that democracy cannot thrive if those in power manipulate processes to silence opposition voices.
Azimio announced major leadership changes on February 3, 2026, following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Kalonzo was named coalition party leader, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was appointed Secretary General, and Philip Kisia took over as Executive Director.
Despite the appointments being internally approved, Kalonzo claims the failure to gazette the changes has stalled their legal recognition. He maintained that Azimio would pursue all legal avenues to ensure the new leadership is formally recognised.
Junet Mohamed, however, dismissed Kalonzo’s claims and questioned the legitimacy of the changes. He accused Kalonzo and his allies of ignoring provisions in Azimio’s governing agreement, arguing that the required procedures were not followed.
Junet insisted he remains the lawful Secretary General, claiming that official documents deposited with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties were disregarded during the process.
“Stop blaming external forces and follow the procedures outlined in the Azimio Deed of Agreement,” Junet stated, adding that Kalonzo had previously expressed reservations about the same document.
The Minority Leader also recalled Kalonzo’s remarks in August 2025, when the Wiper chief declared Azimio politically dead following ODM’s cooperation with the government. Junet accused Kalonzo of attempting to revive the coalition for personal political gain.
Legal experts note that without formal publication in the Kenya Gazette, leadership changes within political parties are not legally effective. Under Article 199 of the Constitution, appointments and decisions only take effect once officially gazetted.
As the standoff continues, the Azimio leadership wrangle highlights growing divisions within the opposition and raises fresh questions about political independence, procedure, and democratic accountability.
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