CS Justin Muturi clarified his non-involvement in the Democratic Party’s exit from the Kenya Kwanza coalition, citing legal restrictions on appointed officials. He affirmed the party’s autonomy in decision-making and noted their intent to exit due to unfavorable political developments, following a formal notice in accordance with the coalition agreement.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi addressed the media following the Democratic Party of Kenya’s decision to exit the Kenya Kwanza coalition. On March 13, he clarified that he was not part of this decision due to legal restrictions on appointed state officers holding political party positions, emphasizing that he had resigned as party leader when accepting his role as Attorney General. He stated, “As you know, the Constitution of Kenya provides that any appointed state officer shall not hold any office in a political party.”
Muturi indicated that the Democratic Party was not required to consult him regarding their exit from the coalition, describing their autonomy in decision-making. He stated, “The party doesn’t have to inform me about the activities that they are doing because they do the normal meetings and are at liberty to make whatever decision they feel is in the best interest of the party.”
On March 7, the Democratic Party sent a formal notice to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, citing unfavorable political developments as the reason for their withdrawal. The letter stated, “Kindly take notice that our stay in Kenya Kwanza Coalition is no longer tenable due to the prevailing political developments.”
The letter also communicated the party’s adherence to the coalition agreement’s termination clause by providing a 30-day notice of their formal exit. It noted, “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) in the Coalition Agreement.”
Initially formed by United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Amani National Congress (ANC), and Forum for the Restoration of Democracy–Kenya (FORD–Kenya), the Kenya Kwanza coalition grew to include twelve parties by April 2022, which included the Democratic Party and several others, indicating a diverse political alliance.
In summary, CS Justin Muturi reaffirmed his non-involvement in the Democratic Party’s exit from the Kenya Kwanza coalition due to constitutional restrictions. He emphasized the party’s right to operate independently and communicate internal decisions without his consultation. The Democratic Party’s departure follows a formal notice citing political challenges while adhering to the coalition agreement’s stipulations. The Kenya Kwanza coalition remains a coalition of diverse political parties following the Democratic Party’s planned exit.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
