Muturi’s return to DP sparks wrangles

By Newsflash Reporter

A fresh crisis is unfolding within the Democratic Party (DP), formerly led by President Mwai Kibaki, over the reported return of ex-Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi as party leader.

Conflicting statements from top officials have added to the confusion and exposed rifts within the party’s hierarchy.

Muturi, who stepped aside from the role after his appointment as Attorney General by President William Ruto, is said to have been reappointed DP leader during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Nairobi on Tuesday. But the move is now being challenged by party insiders, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process.

DP Secretary-General Jacob Haji rejected claims of a formal decision, insisting that discussions on leadership were still ongoing. Newsflash has learnt that while Muturi’s name came up, so did other contenders like former Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina.

“We met as NEC and discussed various leadership proposals,” Haji said. “Muturi was among those suggested, but there was no final decision. We agreed to reconvene the National Governing Council in two weeks to fill all vacant positions and revise our constitution. No one was formally endorsed.”

Conflicting accounts from party officials

However, contradicting Haji’s version, DP National Chairman Esau Kioni maintained that the NEC resolved to reinstate Muturi at a session held at the United Kenya Club.

“Yes, there were disagreements, but the meeting concluded with a resolution to bring Muturi back as party leader,” Kioni stated. “He had taken a step back to serve as Attorney General and Cabinet Secretary. But we believe his leadership is necessary, especially as we align ourselves with opposition efforts for 2027.”

Read more: Ruto: Muturi was an incompetent AG

Muturi, who once served as National Assembly Speaker, was elected DP leader before the 2022 elections, after which the party joined the Kenya Kwanza coalition and backed President Ruto. His appointment to the Attorney General post saw him withdraw from active party leadership, leaving a vacuum that party insiders are now seeking to fill.

The announcement of his comeback appears timed to reposition the party amid ongoing conversations about opposition unity and the selection of a joint presidential candidate ahead of the next general election.

Muturi declares “new chapter” for DP

Muturi responded confidently to the reported endorsement, framing it as a turning point for the Democratic Party.

“A new chapter begins for the Democratic Party,” he said in a statement. “I’m grateful to NEC members for their confidence in me and their unanimous resolution to reinstate me as Party Leader, pending ratification by the National Delegates Convention later this year.”

He said his return was more than symbolic. “This is not just a personal honour — it is a responsibility. Together, we will rebuild, re-energise, and reposition our party for the future.”

While his allies are pushing for his comeback to be cemented, critics within the party see the move as premature and lacking consensus. Some sources believe the tensions reflect deeper issues, including internal power struggles and regional politics — especially given the party’s roots in the Mt Kenya region.

The differing accounts have now shifted focus to the upcoming National Governing Council meeting, where the legitimacy of Muturi’s return is expected to be tested. The meeting could either ratify or reject the NEC’s disputed resolution, and its outcome may determine the future direction of the Democratic Party.