The fragile unity of the Azimio la Umoja coalition has fractured openly, with Raila Odinga’s ODM party fiercely rejecting leadership changes orchestrated by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In a move that has stunned the political class, ODM has declared "total war" on the new appointments that saw Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka named as the new Azimio leader and Caroli Omondi as Secretary General. The Orange party claims they were blindsided, accusing the former Head of State of running the coalition like a private kiosk without consulting its majority shareholder.

The Handshake Betrayal?

Top ODM officials, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Senator Oburu Oginga, came out guns blazing. "We were not consulted, we do not recognize these changes, and we will not be bound by them," Sifuna declared at a press briefing in Nairobi. The implication is clear: Uhuru Kenyatta, once a strategic partner, is now seen as a meddling patron trying to install his preferred successors.

The appointment of Caroli Omondi, a man viewed by some in ODM as a rebel, adds insult to injury. It is interpreted as a direct attempt to undermine Raila Odinga’s grip on the coalition’s machinery.

The Kalonzo Factor

For Kalonzo Musyoka, the coveted mantle of leadership has turned into a poisoned chalice. While he has long positioned himself as Raila’s natural heir, assuming the throne without the blessing of the Nyanza base renders his command titular at best. Uhuru’s backing gives him legitimacy on paper, but without ODM’s numbers, Azimio is a shell.

• The Power Play: Analysts see this as Uhuru’s attempt to shape the 2027 opposition lineup, potentially sidelining Raila who is eyeing the African Union Commission chairmanship.
• The Rift Widens: This public spat marks the lowest point in the Raila-Uhuru relationship since the 2018 Handshake, signaling that the marriage of convenience may finally be over.

A Coalition on the Brink

As the dust settles, the opposition finds itself fighting itself rather than the government. If ODM pulls out or paralyzed the coalition, the opposition’s ability to check the current administration will be decimated.

Uhuru has fired his shot, but Raila’s camp has returned fire. The battle for the soul of Azimio has just begun, and there will be casualties.