NLP challenges Azimio leadership shake-up as unconstitutional

On 9 March 2026, Azimio announced a sweeping restructuring of its top leadership organs, removing several senior figures. Among those affected were Junet Mohamed, the coalition’s Parliamentary Group Leader and Secretary General; Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum); Nominated MP Sabina Chege; and coalition council member Abdi Noor Omar Farah.

Azimio defended the changes, citing conflicts of interest, including members holding public office and alleged links to rival political factions. Coalition insiders said the reshuffle was intended to streamline leadership and strengthen internal cohesion.

However, the NLP, led by Dr Augustus Muli, has formally challenged the process in a letter to the Registrar of Political Parties. The party argues that no vacancies were declared prior to the removals, making the subsequent appointments invalid. It further contends that the process violated both the Political Parties Act (2011) and the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which require adherence to internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

The NLP also reiterated its objection to Kalonzo Musyoka’s elevation as Azimio leader, maintaining that the matter remains unresolved and should be subjected to arbitration by the coalition’s National Executive Council (NEC).

In its statement, the party raised several procedural concerns. It questioned the legitimacy of the NEC meeting that ratified the changes, noting it was convened by Philip Kisia, whose position as Azimio Executive Director is itself disputed. The NLP further alleged that the meeting lacked quorum, claiming only four gazetted officials were present, and that individuals from outside the coalition—including representatives of the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP)—participated in the proceedings.

The dispute highlights ongoing internal divisions within Azimio, which has faced recurrent leadership wrangles. Analysts warn that the NLP’s challenge could delay implementation of the restructuring and complicate the coalition’s efforts to present a unified front ahead of the 2027 general election.