CS Justin Muturi has confirmed that the Democratic Party of Kenya intends to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, which was communicated through a 30-day notice. The party’s management committee is independent in its decision-making, and Muturi acknowledged he learned of the exit notice after its submission.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has acknowledged that the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP), to which he is affiliated, has issued a notice signaling its intention to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition. He clarified that the party’s management committee is empowered to make such decisions independently, without requiring prior notification to him. “The party doesn’t have to inform me these days about the activities that they are doing because they do the normal things,” stated Muturi during an interview with Citizen TV.
On Wednesday, the DP submitted a 30-day notice to exit the coalition, which was confirmed by Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu. Muturi indicated that he became aware of the notice only after its submission, saying, “I just saw the letter also; whether I am okay with it or not, it is a decision that has been made by an organ of the party.”
Justin Muturi had joined Kenya Kwanza through the DP under an agreement ratified in May 2022, making the party a member of the coalition. Though he was appointed as party leader at a meeting on February 22, 2022, he later resigned following his nomination as Attorney General.
The notice, which was signed by DP Secretary General Dr. Jacob Haji on March 7, indicates that DP’s continued affiliation with Kenya Kwanza is no longer viable due to recent political developments. It states, “The Democratic Party of Kenya…hereby gives a 30-day notice to exit the coalition, as stipulated in termination clause 8 of the coalition agreement.”
According to legal provisions, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) must accept a political party’s decision to exit a coalition, provided a 30-day notice is served. The letter from DP was addressed to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition secretariat chairperson and shared with the secretaries general of Ford Kenya, UDA, and Maendeleo Chap Chap, along with the co-signature of DP Chairperson Esau Kioni.
In summary, CS Justin Muturi has confirmed the Democratic Party’s decision to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, emphasizing that the management committee acted autonomously. The notice, sent to the Registrar of Political Parties, will take effect in 30 days, following legal stipulations. This development marks a significant shift in the political landscape surrounding the coalition and highlights the party’s independence in making strategic decisions.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
