The political marriage that defined the 2022 general election has ended in a bitter divorce, with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) formally initiating its withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

Announced after a tense National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa, the exit marks the final nail in the coffin for the opposition super-alliance, driven by what ODM terms as persistent breaches of agreement and unilateral decision-making by its partners. The decision effectively dissolves the structure that challenged President William Ruto, reshaping the country's political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Breaking Point

The split was precipitated by a series of leadership changes within Azimio that ODM claims were engineered without its consent. "We cannot be guests in a house we built," declared ODM veteran Oburu Odinga. "The coalition has been hijacked by individuals who bring nothing to the table but demands." The NEC resolution was unanimous: ODM is moving on.

• The Dead Alliance: Oburu did not mince words, declaring Azimio "dead and buried." He argued that without ODM's grassroots machinery, the coalition is a shell. "We left a long time ago in spirit; today we leave on paper," he added.
• The Leadership Tussle: The friction has been fueled by the rivalry between Raila Odinga's camp and Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has been positioning himself as the heir apparent. ODM's exit leaves Kalonzo as the captain of a sinking ship.

What Next?

ODM is now expected to embark on a nationwide rebranding tour, strengthening its individual identity. Pundits predict the formation of new alliances as the party seeks to shed the baggage of the failed 2022 bid. For Azimio, the future looks bleak. Losing its largest partner is a blow from which recovery seems impossible.

"This is a new dawn for ODM," the party statement read. "We are unshackling ourselves to serve the people directly." As the orange flags are hoisted high in Mombasa, the chapter on Azimio la Umoja is firmly closed.