Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has accused State House of unlawfully interfering with the gazettement of AZIMIO la Umoja coalition’s leadership changes, warning that the move poses a serious threat to Kenya’s multiparty democratic system.
In a statement issued on X, Kalonzo claimed that the Government Printer had been instructed to block the publication of AZIMIO’s legally constituted leadership in the Kenya Gazette.
He said the changes — appointing Philip Kisia as Executive Director, Caroli Omondi as Secretary General, and himself as Party Leader — were lawfully made and formally accepted by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
According to Kalonzo, the leadership changes had already been published in local daily newspapers last week and were scheduled for official gazettement on Friday, February 6, 2026, before what he described as last-minute political interference.
“The facts are simple. Our leadership changes were legal, duly submitted, and accepted by the Registrar of Political Parties. The sudden refusal to gazette them can only be explained by external interference,” Kalonzo said.
He linked the alleged action to a broader pattern of state pressure on opposition formations, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of using state machinery to weaken political competition.
Kalonzo argued that the move directly contradicts commitments made during the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) talks, which he co-chaired, particularly the resolution on fidelity to the law and protection of multiparty democracy.
“It is deeply troubling that an administration which publicly committed to strengthening democratic institutions is now undermining the same principles behind closed doors,” he said.
Kalonzo warned that allowing State House to influence the gazettement of political party leadership sets a dangerous precedent.
He said AZIMIO would explore all available legal options to compel the publication of its leadership changes.
“This is not just about AZIMIO. It is about safeguarding Kenya’s democratic order,” Kalonzo said, calling on Kenyans and the international community to closely monitor the situation.
The allegations are likely to intensify political tensions and renew debate over the independence of state institutions charged with overseeing Kenya’s political process.