The National Liberal Party (NLP), a founding member of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, has formally petitioned the Registrar of Political Parties to provide clarity on the coalition’s current structure, finances, and membership.
The move comes at a time when Azimio is grappling with internal shifts, including the resignation of its Executive Director Raphael Tuju earlier today.
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. He demanded the Registrar furnish 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.
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.
On his part, NLP Leader Augustus Muli said the time was right for the coalition to call for a formal engagement with all the partner parties, and a possible election of coalition officials.
“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 8 months in courts,” Muli said.
Muli added: “As Azimio currently stands it doesn’t have clear officials and offices. The current officials are currently scared of holding elections fearing that smaller parties might actually take over the 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”
Tuju’s resignation adds weight to the Liberal Party’s concerns, highlighting cracks in the coalition’s leadership at a critical juncture.
