The opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party is facing deeper divisions after the NARC-Kenya party, led by Martha Karua, announced its intention to leave the coalition.

This decision was formally communicated on Thursday by NARC-Kenya’s Acting Secretary General Asha Bashir in a letter to Azimio Secretariat Secretary General Junet Mohamed, dated July 25, 2024.

In her letter, Bashir cited “prevailing political developments” as a key reason for NARC-Kenya’s imminent departure from the opposition alliance.

“Kindly take note that our stay in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition is not tenable due to the prevailing political developments,” she stated.

Bashir further explained that NARC-Kenya’s decision is effective immediately, as outlined in the coalition’s exit clause.

This announcement comes just a day after President William Ruto nominated four members of the Azimio affiliate party ODM to his Cabinet.

The nominations included ODM Chair and Nominated MP John Mbadi for the Treasury ministry.

National Assembly Minority Leader and Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi for the Energy docket, former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho for the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy.

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development.

These appointments have caused significant turmoil within the opposition, despite previous assurances from Azimio leaders that they were not eager to join the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The unexpected nominations have led to accusations of betrayal among the coalition’s members.

NARC-Kenya’s exit marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as the party was a key player within Azimio.

Other parties in the coalition, including Wiper, Jubilee, DAP-K, and PNU, had previously declared their intention to remain in the opposition, viewing any move to join the government as a betrayal of the Kenyan people.