This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
On October 29, 2021, Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu confirmed the reservation of Orange Democratic Movement's Azio la Moja slogan for use as a coalition name.
The reservation was requested by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, a key lieutenant of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the party's leader and presumed presidential candidate.
According to a letter addressed to Mohammed, Nderitu stated, 'Your application has been considered as required by law and the Azimo La Umoja has been reserved for use as political party coalition name.'
The Political Parties Act stipulates that an application for reservation of a name shall be for a period of not more than 90 days.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been campaigning under the banner of 'Azimio la Umoja' to popularize his 2022 presidential bid across the country.
The development comes as speculation grows about a possible alliance between Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is seen as having identified the former Prime Minister as his preferred candidate.
The two leaders have been in a good working relationship since March 9, 2018, after they committed to work together following a bruising political battle.
President Kenyatta has indicated that he will back Odinga in the 2022 polls, and several other leaders, including Deputy President William Ruto and Amani National Congress (ANC) Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi, are also angling to succeed him.
