The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially withdrawn from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party and announced changes to its leadership structure in the Nairobi City County Assembly. In letters dated October 27, 2026, ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen formally communicated the changes to Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kenneth Ng’ondi, outlining new appointments to the Majority Party leadership and the County Assembly Service Board (CASB).
The developments follow confirmation by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) that ODM had fulfilled all legal requirements necessary to withdraw from the Azimio coalition. According to the Registrar, ODM officially ceased being a member of Azimio on June 10, 2026, following the completion of the withdrawal process under Section 10 of the Political Parties Act and Article 22 of the coalition agreement.
ODM Appoints Catherine Apiyo Okoth to County Assembly Service Board
As part of the restructuring, ODM appointed nominated Nairobi MCA Catherine Apiyo Okoth as its representative of the Majority Party/Coalition in the Nairobi City County Assembly Service Board. The party explained that the appointment was necessary to align its representation in the board with the prevailing political arrangements following its departure from Azimio.
New Majority Party Whip Appointed
ODM also reorganised its leadership in the Nairobi County Assembly by appointing Upper Savanna MCA Stazo Omung’ala Elijah Ang’ila as the new Majority Party Whip. Ang’ila replaces Moses Nyangaresi Ogeto, who has since moved his political allegiance to another party. Additionally, Imara Daima MCA Evans Okaru Nyangicha was appointed Deputy Majority Party Whip, taking over the position previously held by Ang’ila.
The party said the appointments were intended to improve leadership coordination, strengthen internal discipline and enhance its ability to carry out legislative and oversight responsibilities within the county assembly. ODM subsequently requested the Speaker to formally recognise the new appointments and initiate the necessary administrative procedures in line with the County Assembly Standing Orders and relevant laws.
Oburu Oginga Had Earlier Declared Azimio Dead
ODM’s latest administrative changes come months after party leader Dr Oburu Oginga publicly questioned the future of the Azimio coalition and indicated that the party was preparing to formally withdraw. Speaking in Mombasa ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee meeting on February 11, Oburu argued that ODM, being the coalition’s largest party, could not be excluded from major decisions concerning Azimio’s leadership.
He maintained that any significant decisions involving the coalition required ODM’s involvement, dismissing attempts to appoint new leadership without consulting the party. Oburu also declared that Azimio had effectively ceased to exist following ODM’s departure, arguing that the remaining withdrawal process was largely a formality.
The formal exit now marks a significant development in Kenya’s opposition politics, while the latest Nairobi County Assembly appointments reflect ODM’s efforts to reorganise its leadership and institutional representation outside the Azimio coalition.
