Despite recent internal discord within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, the opposition has unanimously endorsed Junet Mohamed and Millie Odhiambo as the new Minority Leader and Minority Whip in the National Assembly, respectively.

This decision follows the coalition's strained relations after Raila Odinga named five allies to President William Ruto’s broad-based cabinet.

During an Azimio parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, August 6, the coalition voted in favor of the two ODM picks. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna confirmed the decision on X, expressing gratitude to the Azimio constituent parties for their support and wishing the new leaders well. However, he did not disclose the attendees of the meeting, stirring further speculation.

The friction within the coalition was evident when Martha Karua-led NARC-Kenya formally expressed its intention to exit Azimio. In a letter dated July 25, 2024, addressed to Azimio Secretariat Secretary General Junet Mohamed, the party's Acting Secretary General Asha Bashir cited "prevailing political developments" as the primary reason for the decision.

ODM's recent actions have fueled the growing rift. Following a Central Management Committee meeting chaired by Raila Odinga, the party proposed changes in its National Assembly House and committee leadership. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed was elevated to Minority Leader, replacing Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, who was nominated to the Energy docket. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo was appointed as the new Minority Whip.

Junet Mohamed, a close ally of Odinga, is a seasoned politician known for his staunch support. His elevation is seen as a strategic move to solidify ODM’s influence within the National Assembly. Millie Odhiambo, known for her vocal and controversial statements, will bring her fierce advocacy to her new role as Minority Whip.

At the committee level, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi will chair the Public Accounts Committee, succeeding nominated MP John Mbadi, who has been nominated as the CS of Treasury and National Planning. Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo will take over as the vice chairperson of the Public Investments Committee, filling the position vacated by Amisi.

Last month, coalition Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna stated that the names of the proposed leaders would be presented to the Azimio parliamentary group for approval. He emphasized the need for wide consultations among party members to fill the vacancies left by those nominated to the cabinet.