The future of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has been thrown into more confusion following the resignation of its executive director, Raphael Tuju
Subsequently, the National Liberal Party (NLP), a founding member of the Coalition, has formally petitioned the Registrar of Political Parties to provide clarity on the coalition’s current structure, finances, and membership.
This comes at a time when ODM, a key member of the Coalition is grappling with a raging identity battle due to the ongoing relationship with the ruling UDA.
In a statement, NLP Secretary General Omondi Koyoo said the coalition – born out of the 2011 amendment to the Political Parties Act that allowed for coalition political parties – must now demonstrate transparency and accountability.
At its inception, Azimio united 26 registered parties, making it the largest coalition in Kenya’s history and a symbol of broad‑based representation. It was recognized as the majority party in Parliament and positioned as a force for unity, reform, and democratic aspiration.
Koyoo emphasized that coalitions are “living agreements, not tombstones,” and therefore should evolve with the rhythm of democratic choice.
“As a a coalition we want the Registrar of Political Parties to furnish us with the coalition’s deed of agreement, the current list of constituent parties, details of those that have exited, the status of its governing body, and a record of officials who have left,” stated Koyoo in the statement.
He also called for disclosure of funds disbursed from the Political Parties’ Fund, particularly allocations tied to the 6.9 million presidential votes Azimio garnered in the 2022 elections.
Tuju’s resignation adds weight to the Liberal Party’s concerns, highlighting cracks in the coalition’s leadership at a critical juncture.
“As parties languish and face deregistration because of costs of recruitment and running offices, partner parties are hoarding millions in banks courtesy of our coalition,” NLP Party leader, Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli said.
Azimio’s last engagement was last year when an election for IEBC selection panel resulted in a winner the leader didn’t want. It cost the country 8 months in a court battle.
“As Azimio currently stands it doesn’t have clear officials and offices with the current officials scared of holding elections for fear that smaller parties might actually take over the leadership positions due to their numbers,” Muli added, noting that all the constituent parties,bare waiting to see what the Chairman of the Coalition Party, Uhuru Kenyatta will do to give new energy and cohesion to the dying Coalition.
