The Democratic Party of Kenya has formally announced its intention to withdraw from the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, citing political differences within the coalition.
In a letter addressed to the Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, the party stated that remaining in the alliance was no longer tenable due to prevailing political developments.
The notice, signed by the party’s Secretary General Dr. Jacob Haji took effect on March 7, 2025, when it was also copied to the Secretary Generals of Ford Kenya, the United Democratic Alliance, and Maendeleo Chap Chap.
“Kindly take notice that our stay in Kenya Kwanza Coalition is no longer tenable due to the prevailing political developments,” the letter reads.
The letter further states that the party is giving a 30-day notice to formally exit the coalition, as stipulated in the coalition agreement.
“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,” it adds.
The Kenya Kwanza coalition, led by President William Ruto, was established in the lead-up to the 2022 general elections
Initially, Kenya Kwanza was formed by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the Amani National Congress (ANC) and the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy–Kenya (FORD–Kenya).
However, by April 2022, the coalition had expanded to include several more political parties, increasing its constituent members to twelve.
The new entrants included the Economic Freedom Party (EFP), The Service Party (TSP), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Farmers Party (FP) and Devolution Party of Kenya (DPK).
Others were Chama Cha Kazi (CCK), Maendeleo Chap Chap Party (MCC), the United Party of Independent Alliance (UPIA) and the Democratic Party (DP) which is presently seeking its exit.
The decision aligns with Clause 8 of the coalition agreement, which outlines the procedure for termination of membership.
The party, previously led by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, has been criticising the Kenya Kwanza government, particularly over a rise in abduction cases.
Muturi has openly condemned the incidents and called for a Public Commission of Inquiry to investigate the matter.
“The buck must stop somewhere, in this case, the President and the Commander-in-Chief. Mr. President, I call upon you to order an end to these abductions and extrajudicial killings, as you promised, and to establish an open inquiry into how these incidents have been occurring,” he stated.
