Another party leaves ruling Kenya Kwanza

The Kenya Kwanza coalition has faced another setback with the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), also known as "MBUS," declaring its official departure from the ruling alliance.

In its statement, the MBUS party pointed to its exclusion from critical government decisions, its refusal to collaborate with a government it accuses of neglecting the public, and the absence of a formal coalition agreement as the main reasons for severing ties.

Furthermore, the party's leadership expressed disappointment over Kenya Kwanza's ongoing disregard for its contributions, despite DEP's past support.

Party chairman and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, party leader Kiraitu Murungi, and deputy party leader Titus Ntuchiu stated that MBUS has been excluded from significant government matters, despite their earlier commitment to collaborate with the ruling administration.

The party's leadership revealed that MBUS will now concentrate on grassroots mobilization and restructuring in preparation for the upcoming Mbere North parliamentary by-election, triggered by Geoffrey Ruku's appointment to the Cabinet.

While not completely dismissing the possibility of future collaboration with President William Ruto's camp, MBUS emphasized that any renewed partnership must guarantee the party is treated as an equal and respected ally.

During a press briefing, Murungi emphasized the party’s independence, making it clear that MBUS is not part of any formal coalition with Kenya Kwanza or any other political group.

"The MBUS party is non-aligned, autonomous, and independent. We are not in any formal political coalition. Any coalition requires agreements filed with the Registrar of Political Parties, and we have no such agreement with UDA or any other party," Murungi stated.

The former Meru governor also highlighted that the party’s focus will now be on advocating for marginalized counties and addressing growing development disparities, which he claims have worsened under the Kenya Kwanza government.

DEP chairman and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti accused the government of betrayal, pointing out that despite supporting Kenya Kwanza in the 2022 elections, DEP has been sidelined from crucial decision-making processes.

"Our voice has been ignored. Our people are suffering, yet those we supported in government remain silent on issues impacting ordinary citizens. We can no longer remain passive," Kivuti remarked.

Deputy leader Titus Ntuchiu also voiced concern over the struggles of ordinary Kenyans, mentioning the impact of changes to the university funding model and the inability of some youth to join the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) due to financial constraints.

"Kenyans are suffering. I read in the media yesterday that 4% of our youth joining KMTC couldn’t proceed because they can’t afford the fees," he added.

This development follows closely on the heels of the Farmers Party's formal announcement in April, signaling its intention to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition with a 30-day notice.