The Orange Democratic Movement has dismissed recent changes to the Azimio la Umoja coalition effected by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta as null and void, arguing that the decision lacked inclusion of all constituent parties as required under the coalition's deed of agreement.
In a statement issued from the party's headquarters in Nairobi on December 19, 2025, ODM demanded that the changes be frozen and suspended immediately, maintaining that party leader Dr Oburu Oginga was not consulted.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said the party had written to the Registrar of Political Parties seeking intervention. "The purported changes by Uhuru Kenyatta are irregular and contravene the Azimio deed of agreement, which mandates consultation with all signatory parties," Sifuna said. "Dr Oburu Oginga, as ODM leader, was not involved, rendering the decision invalid. We call for its immediate suspension pending proper dialogue."
The changes in question, announced by Uhuru on December 15, 2025, during a meeting with Azimio principals, included a new leadership structure with Kalonzo Musyoka as interim chairperson and Martha Karua as deputy, aimed at revitalising the coalition ahead of 2027.
Uhuru's office defended the move as necessary to fill the vacuum left by Raila Odinga's death. "The coalition must adapt to new realities," a statement from Uhuru's spokesperson said. "These changes ensure continuity and strength."
ODM, however, views the decision as an attempt to sideline the party. National Chairperson John Mbadi accused Uhuru of acting unilaterally. "Azimio is a collective; no single individual can dictate terms," Mbadi said. "We were not consulted, and we will not accept being treated as junior partners."
The dispute has exposed deepening fractures within Azimio, with ODM asserting its dominance as the largest party. Sifuna added that ODM would explore legal options if the changes are not reversed. "We are prepared to go to court to enforce the deed of agreement," he warned.
In a separate development, the Registrar of Political Parties has gazetted ODM’s new officials, confirming Dr Oburu Oginga as party leader. The gazette notice, published on December 18, 2025, formalises the leadership structure adopted at the party's National Governing Council meeting in November.
Oburu, Raila's elder brother, was elected unopposed after the party amended its constitution to create the position following Raila's passing. "This is a new chapter for ODM," Oburu said in a brief address after the gazettement. "We will honour Baba's legacy by staying true to our principles of democracy and inclusivity."
The new lineup includes Sifuna as Secretary-General, Mbadi as Chairperson, Gladys Wanga as Deputy Leader, and Junet Mohamed as Director of Elections. The changes were necessitated by vacancies left by Raila and other officials who joined the government under the March 2025 MoU with President Ruto.
Registrar Ann Nderitu said the gazettement followed verification of the party's internal processes. "ODM complied with all requirements under the Political Parties Act," Nderitu said. "The new officials can now fully assume their roles."
The gazettement has bolstered ODM's position within Azimio, with Oburu calling for respect from coalition partners. "ODM is the anchor of Azimio; any changes must involve us," he stated. "We will not be dictated to by anyone."
Kalonzo Musyoka downplayed the rift, saying consultations are ongoing. "Azimio is intact," Kalonzo said. "We will resolve this amicably for the sake of unity ahead of 2027."
Political analyst Dr Martin Ouma described the row as a power struggle. "ODM feels sidelined after Raila's death," Ouma said. "Uhuru's changes are seen as an attempt to reassert Jubilee's influence, but ODM's size makes it indispensable."
As the MoU with Ruto expires in March 2026, observers expect more jostling within Azimio. ODM's firm stance signals a potential realignment or even a split if the dispute escalates.
