The National Liberal Party (NLP), a constituent party of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, has formally objected to the purported decision to rebrand and restructure Azimio as the "Ukombozi Alliance." The party expressed concern over the announcement, made without prior consultation or documentation demonstrating that the decision was reached through proper procedures. This move has raised questions about compliance with the Coalition's governance and decision-making procedures.
The NLP had previously attempted to engage the Coalition leadership constructively, writing several times to seek dialogue on Coalition matters. However, the party claimed it had not received a substantive response. A registered coalition political party is governed by its Coalition Agreement, the Political Parties Act, and applicable governance instruments. Any fundamental alteration to its name, identity, structure, or legal status must be undertaken in accordance with the applicable legal and contractual framework.
The NLP has written to the leadership of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party and the Registrar of Political Parties, placing its objection on record and seeking clarification on the legal and procedural basis of the purported decision. The party has requested several documents, including the notice convening the relevant meeting, the agenda, attendance register, certified minutes, and resolutions purportedly adopted.
The NLP is concerned about the financial, contractual, and legal consequences of the proposed change. Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has assets, liabilities, financial obligations, contracts, and other legal interests that affect its constituent parties. These matters must be properly identified, accounted for, and protected before any restructuring or alteration of the Coalition's legal status is implemented.
The NLP has stated that it does not consent to, and does not recognize as binding upon it, any purported change to the Coalition's name, identity, structure, or legal status unless the applicable provisions of the Coalition Agreement and the law have been fully complied with. The party remains committed to lawful political cooperation, dialogue, and unity of purpose, but cooperation must be founded on transparency, good faith, and respect for the rights of all constituent parties.
The NLP has reserved all its legal and contractual rights and shall pursue all appropriate mechanisms available to it under the Coalition Agreement and the law to protect the interests of the party and its members. The party's leader, Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli, has emphasized the importance of following due process in any decision-making process that affects the Coalition's constituent parties.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party's proposed rebranding has sparked controversy, with the NLP's objection highlighting the need for transparency and adherence to procedural requirements in coalition decision-making. The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen, as the NLP and Azimio leadership engage in further discussions.
Key points
- The National Liberal Party objects to Azimio's rebranding due to lack of consultation and procedural irregularities.
- The party seeks clarification on the legal and procedural basis of the purported decision.
- The NLP remains committed to lawful political cooperation and dialogue, but insists on transparency and respect for constituent parties' rights.
