Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party of Kenya Leaves Kenya Kwanza Alliance After Fallout With Ruto- “No longer tenable”
The Democratic Party (DP) of Kenya, founded by the late President Mwai Kibaki, has officially started the process of leaving the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
DP Issues 30-Day Exit Notice
The party has sent a formal notice, as required by the coalition agreement, giving 30 days before its exit becomes official. The Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu, has confirmed receiving the notice. If completed, DP will become the first party to leave Kenya Kwanza since its formation in 2022.
Reasons for the Exit
In a letter dated March 7, DP stated that it could no longer remain in Kenya Kwanza. The party had previously supported Justin Muturi, the current Public Service Cabinet Secretary, as its presidential candidate in the 2022 general elections.
The letter was signed just one day before the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) entered into an agreement with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Official Notification
The Registrar of Political Parties received the official notification on Wednesday. The document was signed by DP Secretary General Jacob Haji and Chairman Esau Kioni. Haji later told Citizen TV that Kenya Kwanza no longer aligned with DP’s values. He also confirmed that the coalition agreement, signed on April 12, 2022, allows for a 30-day written notice to leave.
Muturi’s Strained Relationship with Ruto
Muturi, who resigned as DP’s party leader in October 2022 to become Kenya’s Attorney General, has had a tense relationship with President William Ruto. Earlier this year, Muturi criticized state-sponsored abductions, including one involving his son. His comments were not well received by the government.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah later hinted in an interview with Al Jazeera that Muturi might be on his way out of the government.
DP’s Troubled Stay in Kenya Kwanza
DP’s time in Kenya Kwanza has been full of internal struggles. Some party officials accused Muturi of betraying DP by signing the coalition agreement. They took their complaints to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, arguing that Muturi had no right to commit DP to Kenya Kwanza.
However, the High Court later ruled that their challenge was filed too late, confirming the coalition agreement’s legitimacy.
What’s Next for DP?
With DP’s exit now in motion, political analysts believe the move could affect future alliances and power balances. The coming weeks will determine whether other parties will follow DP’s lead in leaving Kenya Kwanza.
Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party of Kenya Leaves Kenya Kwanza Alliance After Fallout With Ruto- “No longer tenable”
