Former CS Justin Muturi reinstated as Democratic Party leader ahead of 2027 polls

The Democratic Party (DP) has reinstated former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi as its party leader ahead of the 2027 General Election.

DP National Chairman Esau Kioni said the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened a special meeting on June 10, during which members unanimously endorsed Muturi’s return to the party’s helm.

Speaking at his Kagere home in Othaya, Nyeri County, Kioni dismissed media reports of internal wrangles surrounding Muturi’s reappointment, insisting that the NEC was in full agreement.

“The two main agendas of the meeting were to adopt constitutional changes and appoint a party leader. We resolved unanimously to reinstate Muturi to his previous position,” said Kioni.

“By doing so, we gave him the mandate to engage and negotiate with other like-minded parties regarding the country’s future leadership. I want to categorically emphasize that there was no dissent at all during our NEC meeting,” he added.

Muturi, who previously served as Attorney General in President William Ruto’s first Cabinet before being moved to the Public Service docket, was eventually dropped in a Cabinet reshuffle following disagreements with Kenya Kwanza coalition leadership. He was replaced by Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku.

Muturi joined Kenya Kwanza through DP in May 2022, shortly before the last General Election, under a coalition agreement that formally made DP a constituent party of the ruling alliance.

Upon his appointment to the Cabinet, Muturi relinquished his party leadership role to comply with public service regulations.

“After his appointment as Attorney General, we appointed Joseph Munyao as acting party leader. Now that Muturi is no longer a public servant, NEC has reinstated him,” said Kioni.

Kioni maintained that the party remains united and open to partnerships with other political formations.

“The party has always been united since its formation. Nothing prevents us from working with others,” the national chairman said.

On March 7, Kioni and DP Secretary General Dr. Jacob Haji submitted a formal notice to the Kenya Kwanza coalition secretariat and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, signaling the party’s intent to withdraw from the coalition.

“The 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) of the Coalition Agreement,” the letter stated.

The 30-day notice period expired on April 7, marking the party’s official exit from the ruling coalition.