Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused the State House of instructing the government printer to block the publication of Azimio coalition's new leadership in the Kenya Gazette. This follows changes made on February 3, 2026, after Raila Odinga's passing. Minority leader Junet Mohamed countered that the changes did not follow the coalition's agreement.
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly minority leader Junet Mohamed engaged in a war of words over the legality of recent changes to the Azimio coalition's top leadership. Kalonzo claimed on his social media pages that the State House had instructed the government printer to block the publication of the new officials after the Azimio National Delegates Council appointed them in early February. "State House has instructed the government printer to block publication of Azimio's legitimate leadership changes in the Kenya Gazette," Kalonzo stated. He added that this contradicted one of the 10 agenda items he co-chaired in good faith during NADCO, regarding fidelity to the law on multiparty democracy.
Azimio changed its leadership on February 3, 2026, with Kalonzo appointed as the coalition party leader following Raila Odinga's demise, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi as Secretary General—replacing Junet Mohamed—and Philip Kisia as Executive Director after former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju's resignation. Kalonzo maintained these facts stood despite the government's refusal to gazette the changes. He promised the coalition would pursue all legal avenues to ensure its rightful leadership is published. "Democracy cannot function when those in power manipulate the rules to silence dissent," he concluded.
In a swift rejoinder, Junet Mohamed accused Kalonzo and the Azimio leadership of disregarding the coalition's laws. He claimed the changes were illegitimate because a legal document deposited with the registrar of political parties was not followed, insisting he remains the legitimate Secretary General. "You decided not to follow the provisions of the document to do the changes you purported to have done. Stop blaming other people and follow the right procedure as enshrined in our Azimio Deed of Agreement," Junet said. He also referenced Kalonzo's August 2025 claims that the Azimio coalition was dead after ODM's agreement with UDA to form a broad-based government. "You told us six months ago that Azimio is dead, but now you think you can resurrect it for your own selfish and parochial use," Junet added.
Without an official notice in the Kenya Gazette, Kalonzo's appointment as Azimio coalition party leader cannot be considered legally binding, as required by law. Under Article 199 of the Constitution of Kenya, legislation, official appointments, and decisions within political parties such as leadership changes do not take effect until formally published in the Kenya Gazette. This leaves the appointment incomplete and not legally effective.
