Kiraitu dumps Ruto

By Wanderi Kamau

The Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), commonly referred to as the ‘Mbus’, has formally ended its association with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition, accusing the ruling alliance of sidelining the party and neglecting the pressing needs of ordinary Kenyans.

In a bold declaration made during a press conference in Nairobi on Friday, April 25, 2025, DEP officials said the party will now operate as an independent political force.

The party leadership—comprising chairman and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, deputy leader and ex-Meru Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu, and former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi—said the move was long overdue.

“We have been sidelined in Kenya Kwanza from the start. Our concerns have not been listened to, and the plight of the people we represent continues to be ignored,” said Kivuti.

Kiraitu Murungi, who led the party before taking up a chairmanship post in the government, stated that DEP had never formalized any coalition with UDA or any other Kenya Kwanza affiliate, which left them vulnerable to political marginalization.

“The ‘Mbus’ party is non-aligned. The ‘Mbus’ party is autonomous. The ‘Mbus’ party is independent,” Kiraitu declared. “We are currently not in any formal coalition with any political party. There is no agreement with UDA, Narc-Kenya, or any other party registered with the Registrar of Political Parties. Merging is out of the question, and our focus now is on strengthening the party from the grassroots.”

The announcement marks a critical moment for the Mt Kenya East political landscape, coming just days after former Meru Governor and Agriculture CS Peter Munya dismissed rumors of any alliance with Ruto, instead revealing his intentions to vie for the Meru governorship in 2027.

On Thursday, April 24, another high-profile Meru leader—former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi—led a delegation to meet former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County.

The meeting has stirred speculation of fresh political realignments within the region as Mt. Kenya leaders appear to be rethinking their affiliations with Ruto’s administration.

DEP’s breakaway follows a similar pattern recently taken by other Mt Kenya-based parties, including the Democratic Party, associated with former Attorney-General Justin Muturi, and the Farmers Party, led by former KICC chairman Irungu Nyakera. Analysts suggest these moves point to a growing dissatisfaction among smaller parties in Kenya Kwanza.

Strategic realignment

Political analysts argue that DEP’s departure could have wider implications for Kenya Kwanza’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dr Lydia Kamau, a political science lecturer at Kenyatta University, said the growing rift between Ruto and his former allies in Mt. Kenya should not be underestimated.

“What we’re seeing is the start of a broader rebellion in Mt. Kenya. Many of these smaller parties feel they’ve been used for electoral purposes and then discarded,” said Dr Kamau. “Kiraitu is a seasoned politician. If he’s distancing himself from Ruto now, it could signal trouble ahead.”

Kamau also noted that DEP’s decision to emphasize independence reflects a strategic attempt to rebuild its base and avoid being overshadowed by the dominant UDA party.

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi makes a point when he met former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home in Mathira, Nyeri Countty on 24 April, 2025. Photo/Rigathi Gachagua/X

Samuel Karanja, a governance analyst, added that the exit is symbolic of discontent not only at the leadership level but also among constituents.

“The people in the counties are hurting—there are economic struggles, and the government hasn’t delivered tangible change. DEP is tapping into that frustration,” Karanja said.

Mbeere North by-election and future plans

Looking ahead, DEP has announced its intention to participate in the upcoming Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, which is expected to be called following Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment to the Cabinet. The party has hinted that Muminji MCA and celebrated musician Newton Karish is the frontrunner for the ticket.

“We want to offer leadership that resonates with the people,” said Ntuchiu. “Karish is young, popular, and understands the struggles of our people.”

Despite the clear message of separation from Kenya Kwanza, DEP has not ruled out future political partnerships. However, any such collaboration would be strictly conditional.

“We can consider coalitions in the future, but only if we are treated as an equal partner with guaranteed space and recognition,” said Kiraitu. “But for now, the merger is out of question. Our constitution does not allow it.”

As DEP reorients itself for the 2027 elections, its exit from Kenya Kwanza adds to the growing list of Mt Kenya parties stepping back from the ruling coalition.

The party now shifts its focus to grassroots mobilization and strategic growth, betting that political independence and a strong regional message will give it a stronger hand in the country’s evolving political chessboard.

Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen—but for now, the ‘Mbus’ is steering its own course.