Muturi’s Democratic Party Gives Notice To Leave Kenya Kwanza Over Irreconcilable Political Differences

The Democratic Party of Kenya (DPK), led by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, has issued a 30-day notice to exit the Kenya Kwanza alliance, citing political developments that have made its stay in the coalition untenable.

DPK Chairman Esau Kioni and Secretary General Jacob Haji formally announced the party’s decision to withdraw in a letter dated March 7, 2025, and addressed to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition Secretariat.

“Kindly take notice that our stay in Kenya Kwanza Coalition is no longer tenable due to the prevailing political developments,” read the letter in part.

The party invoked the Termination Clause (8) of the coalition agreement, making the exit effective within 30 days from the date of the notice.

“Democratic Party of Kenya, vide this letter, hereby gives a thirty (30) day notice to exit the Coalition as stipulated in the Termination Clause (8) in the Coalition Agreement,” reads the letter.

The letter was also copied to the Registrar of Political Parties, as well as the Secretary Generals of Ford Kenya, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and the Maendeleo Chap Chap Party.

Government critic

Muturi’s move to pull his party out of Kenya Kwanza comes against the backdrop of his increasing criticism of the government, particularly after he revealed the details of his son’s abduction.

The Public Service Cabinet Secretary has been vocal about the wave of enforced disappearances in the country, saying he personally experienced the trauma when his son, Leslie Muturi, was taken by unknown individuals in Nairobi in June 2024.

“I have personally suffered as my son was abducted, leaving my family in turmoil,” Muturi said.

At the time of his son’s abduction, Muturi was a member of the National Security Council before being reassigned in a cabinet reshuffle following the Gen Z protests. He stated that he was never informed of his son’s whereabouts before Leslie was eventually released by unidentified individuals suspected to be security officers.

“I’ve not gotten any answers as to why my son was abducted, held incommunicado, and nobody gave any reasons for that abduction,” he lamented.

While the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) assured that the case remains under investigation and urged Muturi to provide any additional information, the National Police Service distanced itself from the abductions.

President William Ruto’s allies have criticised the CS, accusing him of politicising the issue.

Senator Wahome Wamatinga alleged that Muturi’s outbursts were politically motivated and linked to his ambitions for the 2027 elections.

“Muturi is just a bitter man against Ruto, who is expanding the broad-based government to those in opposition,” Wamatinga claimed.

Reuben Kiborek, an MP from the ruling UDA party, described Muturi’s public criticism as “inappropriate and dangerous,” arguing that such concerns should have been raised in a cabinet meeting rather than in the media.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, a vocal critic of Ruto, also weighed in, questioning Muturi’s stance while still serving in government.

“He works for the same government, how can he criticise it? You lose nothing by just resigning,” Amisi wrote on X.

Muturi, however, said he remains defiant, noting that he is unbothered by the backlash and is prepared for any consequences.

“I do not fear being sacked. I trust in God,” he told Nation, following reports that he had already submitted his resignation letter.