The Democratic Party (DP) is set to convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting soon to determine its next course of action following its official exit from the Kenya Kwanza alliance. The party, which is linked to Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, aims to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general election.
Party Secretary General Jacob Haji confirmed that the NEC meeting will take place once the mandatory 30-day notice issued to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) lapses. The notice, submitted on March 7, formally declared the party’s intention to withdraw from Kenya Kwanza due to what it termed “prevailing political developments.”
“We are waiting for the 30-day notice to lapse so that we can be officially cleared by the Registrar of Political Parties before our NEC meets to map out the next steps,” Haji stated.
Haji further indicated that the party is exploring various options, including fielding a presidential candidate in the 2027 election or forming new coalitions with like-minded political parties. He emphasized that any future alliances would be carefully considered to avoid past missteps.
“We are scouting for like-minded partners who will listen and work collaboratively to prevent us from ending up in the same situation as before,” he said.
Muturi, who resigned as the party leader in 2022 to join President William Ruto’s administration, acknowledged the DP’s decision to leave Kenya Kwanza. Speaking to Citizen TV on March 12, he stated that the party acted independently and was not obligated to consult him.
The Democratic Party had joined Kenya Kwanza through an agreement signed in May 2022, making it one of the alliance’s constituent members. However, its leadership has since deemed the coalition untenable and opted to chart a new political path.
By law, the ORPP cannot reject a political party’s withdrawal from a coalition as long as the stipulated notice is given. The party’s exit notice was also copied to key Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties, including UDA, Ford Kenya, and Maendeleo Chap Chap.
With its departure now imminent, the Democratic Party is focused on redefining its strategy and strengthening its political standing ahead of the next electoral cycle.
