ODM formally exits Azimio, announces major leadership changes

In letters dated October 27, 2026, ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen notified the Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kenneth Ng’ondi of changes to the Majority Party leadership and the party’s representation in the County Assembly Service Board.

The changes follow confirmation by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties that ODM had met the legal requirements to withdraw from Azimio, effectively ceasing to be a member of the coalition on June 10, 2026.

“Pursuant to Section 10 of the Political Parties Act Cap. 7D, Article 22 of the Azimio coalition agreement, and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), this Office confirms that ODM has satisfied the requirements for exiting Azimio,” stated ORPP.

“In this regard, ODM ceased being a member of Azimio as of 10th June 2026.”

In one of the changes, ODM appointed Catherine Apiyo Okoth, a nominated Member of the County Assembly, as its representative of the Majority Party/Coalition in the Nairobi City County Assembly Service Board.

The party said the appointment was necessary to realign its representation in the board following its withdrawal from Azimio and changes in political coalition arrangements.

ODM also made changes to the Majority Party Whip’s office, appointing Upper Savanna MCA Stazo Omung’ala Elijah Ang’ila as the new Majority Party Whip, replacing Moses Nyangaresi Ogeto, who has since shifted his political allegiance to another party.

Similarly, Imara Daima MCA Evans Okaru Nyangicha was appointed Deputy Majority Party Whip, taking over from Ang’ila following his elevation.

In the communication to the Speaker, ODM said the appointments were intended to strengthen the party’s leadership, coordination and discipline within the County Assembly while ensuring effective execution of its legislative and oversight responsibilities.

The party thus asked the Speaker to formally acknowledge and give effect to the changes in accordance with the County Assembly Standing Orders and other applicable procedures.

“Consequently, the Party has found it necessary to realign its representation in the CASB to reflect the prevailing political and institutional arrangements,” stated ODM.

“We therefore request your office to take the necessary administrative and procedural steps to give effect to this appointment in accordance with the applicable laws and Standing Orders of the County Assembly.”

The leadership changes come against the backdrop of ODM’s withdrawal from Azimio

Early this year, ODM Party leader Dr Oburu Oginga vehemently poured cold water on the Azimio la Umoja coalition, citing that the faction is on its deathbed and the party would formally seek to exit. 

“This thing called Azimio…we are Azimio. The strongest party of Azimio is ODM. There’s no one who can decide without consulting ODM. You cannot purport to appoint a new leader in Azimio while excluding ODM,” Oburu stated in Mombasa ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on February 11. 

“Azimio was dead when ODM left it. We left it a long time ago, and it’s only a formality that we have not performed and we will do it very soon. We’re going to exit that organisation called Azimio.”

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