Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi clarified that he was not involved in the Democratic Party of Kenya’s decision to exit the Kenya Kwanza coalition due to legal restrictions on appointed officials holding political party positions. He stated the party acted independently, citing political developments as the reason for their departure, which was formally communicated in a letter outlining their thirty-day notice to exit the coalition.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi addressed the recent departure of the Democratic Party of Kenya from the Kenya Kwanza coalition. Muturi clarified that he was not involved in this decision, citing legal constraints that prevent appointed state officials from holding party positions. He asserted, “the Constitution of Kenya provides that any appointed state officer shall not hold any office in a political party… I had to resign as the leader of the party.”
He further articulated that the Democratic Party was not required to consult him before their exit from the coalition, emphasizing their autonomy in making decisions pertaining to their political activities. Muturi stated, “The party doesn’t have to inform me about the activities that they are doing… they are at liberty to make whatever decision they feel is in the best interest of the party.”
The Democratic Party formally announced its departure from the coalition in a letter dated March 7, citing prevailing political conditions as the basis for their decision. The letter indicated, “our stay in Kenya Kwanza Coalition is no longer tenable due to the prevailing political developments,” and included a thirty-day notice in accordance with the coalition agreement’s termination clause.
The Kenya Kwanza coalition was originally founded by several political parties ahead of the 2022 elections, including the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Amani National Congress (ANC). Over time, the coalition expanded to include twelve member parties, such as the Economic Freedom Party (EFP) and the Democratic Party (DP), which is now seeking to exit the coalition, as noted in their communications.
In summary, Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has maintained a clear stance regarding his non-involvement in the Democratic Party’s withdrawal from the Kenya Kwanza coalition. He emphasized that legal stipulations govern his participation in political activities. The Democratic Party’s exit, communicated via a formal letter, reflects their assessment of the current political landscape.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
