The DP’s exit from Kenya Kwanza is part of a broader trend of division within the coalition. Other former allies, such as the Amani National Congress (ANC) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM), have either left or shifted closer to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). These changing alliances have left smaller parties rethinking their positions, and the DP’s departure reflects this uncertainty
By Mdadisi Mmoja
In a surprising twist, the Democratic Party (DP) of Kenya, led by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, has formally announced its decision to leave the Kenya Kwanza Coalition. The party pointed to “unsettling political developments” as the main reason for this move. On 7 March 2025, DP Secretary-General Jacob Haji and Chairman Esau Kioni signed and delivered a notice to the Kenya Kwanza Secretariat, starting a 30-day countdown to the party’s exit from the ruling alliance.
In its letter to the coalition secretariat, the DP referred to Termination Clause (8) of the Coalition Agreement, setting a firm deadline for its departure. The Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, has already acknowledged the notice, confirming that the withdrawal process is now in motion.
This decision highlights growing cracks within Kenya Kwanza, possibly worsened by Raila Odinga’s ODM joining President William Ruto’s administration. Kenya Kwanza, a coalition of 11 political parties, came together to back Ruto in the 2022 elections, defeating Odinga’s opposition. The DP was once a vital part of this alliance, especially under Muturi’s leadership. However, tensions have risen over issues like the alleged abductions of government critics. Despite his role in the Cabinet, Muturi has publicly criticised the government’s approach to these matters, putting him at odds with Ruto’s leadership.
Rumours have also swirled that Muturi was among the Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) at risk of being sacked due to their political stances. Although DP’s partnership with Kenya Kwanza once seemed to secure Muturi’s position, his ongoing disapproval of government policies appears to have created an unbridgeable gap.
The DP’s exit is part of a broader trend of division within Kenya Kwanza. Other former allies, such as the Amani National Congress (ANC) and United Democratic Movement (UDM), have either left or shifted closer to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). These changing alliances have left smaller parties rethinking their positions, and DP’s departure reflects this uncertainty.
Founded in 1991 by political heavyweights John Keen and Mwai Kibaki, the Democratic Party has experienced ups and downs over the years. It played significant roles in past coalitions, like Narc in 2002 and PNU in 2007, but has struggled to stay prominent in Kenya’s fast-moving political scene. Muturi’s choice to align with Kenya Kwanza in 2022 aimed to breathe new life into the party, yet recent tensions have now led to its withdrawal.
The next 30 days will be critical as Kenya Kwanza decides how to respond to DP’s exit. Could other smaller parties follow suit? With Kenyan politics always shifting, the situation remains unpredictable. The effects of DP’s departure could ripple through the coalition and threaten its stability.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the changes within Kenya Kwanza are likely to shape the country’s political future. Whether DP’s exit marks the start of further splits is unclear, but one thing is certain: political alliances are under strain, and these shifts could reshape Kenyan politics for years to come.
