Azimio Rejects Narok County Assembly Leadership Shake-Up, Warns Against ‘Undemocratic Power Grab’
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has strongly opposed attempts to alter minority leadership positions in the Narok County Assembly, describing the move as unlawful, undemocratic, and a direct violation of coalition agreements.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Azimio Secretariat, the opposition coalition accused unnamed individuals of orchestrating a plan to unilaterally change key minority leadership positions without consulting coalition parties or following established procedures.
The dispute centers on proposed changes affecting several influential positions within the assembly, including the Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader, and related committee leadership roles.
According to Azimio, the process being used to push through the changes lacks legitimacy and undermines the principles upon which the coalition was formed.
“The purported changes to the positions of Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader, and related committee roles are procedurally flawed, politically irresponsible, and represent a serious violation of coalition discipline, party autonomy, and democratic principles,” the coalition said in its statement.
Coalition Raises Alarm Over Leadership Changes
The coalition argued that leadership positions occupied by members elected under Azimio-affiliated parties cannot be altered through what it termed as arbitrary manipulation, factional interests, or secret political arrangements.
Azimio maintained that any adjustments to leadership structures must be conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures. The coalition insisted that sponsoring political parties, coalition organs, and relevant stakeholders must be consulted before any changes are implemented.
According to the statement, due process requires adherence to party constitutions, coalition agreements, and the standing orders governing the Narok County Assembly.
Coalition officials warned that bypassing these mechanisms would set a dangerous precedent and weaken democratic governance within county assemblies.
Claims of a Broader Political Scheme
Beyond procedural concerns, Azimio alleged that the proposed leadership changes form part of a broader effort to destabilize its influence within the assembly.
The coalition argued that the move threatens to undermine the political mandate granted to Azimio-affiliated parties by voters in Narok County during the last general election.
Leaders within the coalition expressed concern that altering the minority leadership structure without consensus could create unnecessary political tensions and erode confidence in county governance institutions.
“The leadership positions are not personal privileges. They are a reflection of voters’ choices, party mandates, and coalition agreements,” the statement emphasized.
Directive to Narok MCAs
In an additional communication signed by Philip M.A. Kisia, Azimio directed all Members of County Assembly (MCAs) affiliated with the coalition in Narok to avoid participating in any meetings, discussions, communications, or arrangements intended to legitimize the disputed leadership changes.
The coalition urged its members to remain united and strictly adhere to coalition procedures while the matter is being addressed through internal structures.
Azimio further stressed that coalition leadership positions are not private arrangements but institutional offices derived from collective political agreements and public trust.
Speaker and Clerk Asked to Halt Implementation
The coalition also called upon the Speaker and Clerk of the Narok County Assembly to reject any attempts to implement the proposed changes until the dispute is resolved through the appropriate coalition mechanisms.
According to Azimio, maintaining the current leadership structure is necessary to preserve stability and prevent further political conflict within the assembly.
The statement, which was copied to opposition leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka and Caroli Omondi, concluded with a firm warning that the coalition would take all necessary measures to protect its representation across county assemblies.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the status quo must remain in place,” the coalition stated.
As the standoff unfolds, attention is now shifting to Narok County Assembly, where the dispute could test coalition unity and potentially shape future political alignments within one of Kenya’s key county governments.
