NLP demands transparency as Azimio faces leadership uncertainty

The move comes amid internal shifts within Azimio, including the resignation of Executive Director Raphael Tuju earlier today, which has raised concerns about the coalition’s leadership and operational cohesion.

In a statement, NLP Secretary General Omondi Koyoo stressed that coalitions, created under the 2011 amendment to the Political Parties Act, must uphold transparency and accountability. “Coalitions are living agreements, not tombstones,” Koyoo said, emphasizing that Azimio should evolve in line with democratic choice.

The petition seeks detailed information from the Registrar, including the coalition’s deed of agreement, the current list of constituent parties, records of parties that have exited, the status of the governing body, and a register of officials who have left. The NLP also demanded disclosure of funds disbursed from the Political Parties’ Fund, particularly allocations linked to the 6.9 million presidential votes Azimio secured in the 2022 elections.

NLP leader Augustus Muli added pointed criticism of the coalition’s operations, highlighting financial and structural concerns.

He said: “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. 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 eight months in courts. As Azimio currently stands, it doesn’t have clear officials and offices. The current officials are scared of holding elections, fearing that smaller parties might actually take over leadership positions due to their numbers. We are all waiting to see what the Chairman of the Coalition Party, HE Uhuru Kenyatta will do to give new energy and cohesion to Azimio.”

Azimio, which originally united 26 registered parties to become Kenya’s largest coalition, has historically positioned itself as a force for unity, reform, and democratic aspirations. With Tuju’s resignation, questions about the coalition’s internal stability and readiness to deliver on its mandate have intensified.