The Kenya Kwanza coalition has suffered yet another blow following an announcement by the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), popularly known as “MBUS” that it has officially cut ties with the ruling alliance.
MBUS party cited exclusion from key government processes, its unwillingness to work with a government that is presiding over what they term as a “suffering public marginalization” and lack of a formal coalition agreement.
In addition, the party’s top leadership said it is disappointed by Kenya Kwanza’s continued disregard for its role, despite DEP’s past support.
The Party chairman and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, party leader Kiraitu Murungi and deputy party leader Titus Ntuchiu said MBUS has been sidelined from key government affairs despite the decision to work with the ruling administration.
The leadership announced that the party will now focus on grassroots mobilization and restructuring ahead of the upcoming Mbere North parliamentary by election following Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment to the Cabinet.
While not entirely ruling out a future cooperation with President William Ruto‘s camp, MBUS insists that any renewed partnership must ensure the party is treated as an equal and respected partner.
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MBUS Announces Split from Kenya Kwanza
Speaking during a press briefing, Murungi emphasised the party’s autonomy, distancing it from any formal coalition with Kenya Kwanza and any other political grouping
“The MBUS party is non-aligned, autonomous and independent. We are currently
not in any formal coalition political party. In a coalition, there must be agreements filed with the Registrar of Political Parties. We have no such agreement with UDA or any other party,” Murungi declared.
The former Meru governor added that the party’s focus will now shift to championing the needs of marginalised counties and addressing development inequalities, which he says have worsened under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
DEP chairman and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti also accused the government of betrayal, noting that despite backing Kenya Kwanza in the 2022 elections, DEP has not been given a seat at the table in key decisions affecting the country.
“Our voice has been ignored. Our people are suffering, yet those in government whom we supported are silent on matters affecting ordinary citizens. We cannot be bystanders anymore,” he said.
Ntuchiu added, “Kenyans are suffering we have seen the university funding model which has been tampered with somehow. I read in the media yesterday that 4% of our youth joining KMTC were not able to join because they cannot raise the fees.”
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Farmers Party and DP exit ruling coalition
This comes in weeks after the Farmers Party earlier in April formally issued a 30-day notice of intention to leave the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
In a letter addressed to Kenya Kwanza’s Coalition Secretariat on Tuesday, the party’s Secretary General, Simon Kamangu said the notice to exit followed a green light by its National Executive Committee to pull out from the ruling coalition.
The notice which took effect immediately aligned to the Coalition Agreement which they signed on 23rd March 2022.
This also came weeks after the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP)-which is linked to former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi-cut ties with the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“Kindly take notice that our stay in Kenya Kwanza Coalition is no longer tenable due to the prevailing political developments,” the party said in a letter to the coalition secretariat and the Registrar of Political Parties.
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