Caroli Omondi fires back at ODM over claims it was sidelined in recent Azimio changes
By Mustafa Juma, February 16, 2026Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has dismissed claims by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that it was sidelined in recent leadership changes within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party.
Speaking on Monday, February 16, 2026, during an interview with one of the local radio stations, Omondi, who was appointed secretary general of the coalition during the recent changes, defended the restructuring.
The recent changes also saw Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka named Azimio party leader and former secretary general Junet Mohamed replaced.
ODM had protested the move, arguing that the changes were made without its knowledge or involvement despite being a founding member of the coalition.
However, Omondi insists the party was duly notified.
“ODM protested that we made changes in Azimio without informing them. The truth is, ODM have never informed us, as Azimio, that they have a new party leader,” Omondi said.
Changes formally communicated
According to Omondi, Azimio formally communicated the proposed changes to ODM through its known officials, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who serves as ODM Secretary General.
“When Azimio proposed the changes, we wrote to the ODM Secretary General, whom we know, who is on record, which is Edwin Sifuna, and invited him to the meeting, and he sent his apologies,” Omondi stated.
He further revealed that correspondence was also sent to Junet Mohamed, dismissing assertions that ODM was blindsided.
“It is not that ODM was not aware. It was fully aware; we also wrote to Junet Mohamed, but the idea that they have a new party leader, they have never communicated to us. If and when they do, we will start communicating, but we cannot assume ODM has a new party leader based on press reports,” he said.
ODM to exit Azimio
ODM has since resolved to formally initiate its withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition following the leadership changes that were made.
In resolutions issued following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on February 11, 2026, the party cited sustained breaches of the coalition’s Deed of Agreement by certain partners as the reason for the move.
“The NEC reviewed recent developments within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. It noted with concern that certain erstwhile coalition partners have acted in violation of the Deed of Agreement that established the Coalition,” the resolutions read.
“In light of these sustained breaches and in order to safeguard the integrity, autonomy, and strategic direction of ODM, the NEC resolved to initiate the formal process of withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition in accordance with the applicable legal and constitutional provisions.”