Muturi reinstated as Democratic Party leader amidst Ruto fallout

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has been reinstated as the leader of the Democratic Party (DP), signalling a sharp turn away from the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition following months of political tension and personal fallout with President William Ruto.

The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) announced the decision on Tuesday, resolving unanimously to reinstate Muturi to the helm of the party with immediate effect.

However, the resolution is subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC), which is expected to convene later this year.

“A new chapter begins for the Democratic Party. I sincerely thank the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for their confidence in me and their unanimous resolution to reinstate me as the Party Leader with immediate effect, subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC) later this year,” Muturi said in a statement.

“This decision is not just a personal honour, it is a call to action as we work together to rebuild, re-energise, and reposition our party for the future.”

Muturi had stepped down as party leader in October 2022 after supporting Ruto’s presidential bid and subsequently being appointed Attorney General. However, cracks in the relationship began to show as Muturi became increasingly critical of the administration, particularly on issues surrounding abductions and extrajudicial killings.

In a public outcry earlier this year, Muturi accused State agents of abducting his son, amplifying his rift with the President.

Tensions culminated in his dismissal from the Cabinet in March, with Ruto replacing him with Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku and accusing the former AG of incompetence.

Muturi, however, maintained that his criticism stemmed from principle, revealing that he had asked to be excused from Cabinet meetings until the government formally addressed the issue of enforced disappearances and killings.

The Democratic Party, originally founded by former President Mwai Kibaki, has since taken steps to distance itself from the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. In a letter dated March 7, the party formally notified the coalition of its intention to exit, citing “irreconcilable differences” and a “deteriorating working relationship.”

“The party’s continued stay within the Kenya Kwanza fold is no longer tenable,” the letter read.

Muturi had been the party’s presidential candidate in the 2022 general election before it entered into a coalition agreement with Ruto’s alliance.

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