Azimio la Umoja Names Kalonzo Musyoka Party Leader, Junet Mohamed Removed as SG

A side-by-side image of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed. PHOTOS | COURTESY

The Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party has announced a major leadership reshuffle as it positions itself for the 2027 General Election.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been named the new leader of the opposition coalition, marking a new phase for the outfit following the death of its former leader, Raila Odinga.

The changes were approved during a National Executive Council meeting chaired by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties confirmed that the meeting was held on Monday, February 2, after a formal notice was issued on January 29.

At the same sitting, Suba North MP Caroli Omondi was appointed Secretary-General, replacing Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who had held the powerful position since the coalition’s formation.

Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou said the coalition followed all legal procedures in convening both the Azimio Council and the National Coalition Executive Council.

“This office acknowledges receipt of your letter dated February 2 on the joint meeting of the Azimio Council and the National Coalition Executive Council held on February 2,” Lorionokou stated in a letter addressed to the coalition leadership.

He added that Junet Mohamed was formally notified in writing of his removal as Secretary-General and advised the coalition to publicise the leadership changes in line with Section 20 of the Political Parties Act, which governs internal party governance and transparency.

Reacting to his appointment, Kalonzo said he had accepted the role with humility, thanking Uhuru Kenyatta, the coalition leadership and Azimio’s constituent parties for the confidence placed in him.

“Azimio continues to represent the hopes of millions who believe in justice, inclusivity and a Kenya that works for everyone. We welcome like-minded individuals and parties to join us as the government in waiting,” Kalonzo said.

He described the position as a national responsibility rather than a personal victory, assuring Kenyans of principled leadership focused on national renewal.

The leadership changes come months after the death of Raila Odinga, who led Azimio during the 2022 presidential election.

In a related development, former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju resigned as head of Azimio’s executive team. Tuju formally communicated his decision to Uhuru Kenyatta during the same joint meeting of the Council and the National Executive Committee.

Following his exit, Philip Kisia was appointed the coalition’s new Executive Director and will take over responsibilities previously handled by Tuju within the secretariat.

Tuju had been appointed to the role in April 2022 after resigning from Kenyatta’s Cabinet and stepping down as Jubilee Party Secretary-General.