Embu Senator Opposes DP Expulsion Over Support for UDA's Wamuthende in Mbeere North

Embu Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi has rejected moves by the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) to expel him over claims that he supported a rival candidate in a recent by-election.

The party accuses the senator of campaigning for Leonard Muthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during the Mbeere North Constituency by-election, in which Muthende defeated DP’s candidate, Newton Kariuki. Muthende won with 15,802 votes, narrowly ahead of Kariuki’s 15,308, while Duncan Mbui of Chama Cha Kazi received 2,480 votes.

DP officials say Mundigi’s actions breached both the Political Parties Act and the party’s constitution, which prohibit members from promoting the interests of competing political parties. The dispute has exposed divisions within DP over its relationship with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.

In a letter sent while Mundigi was on official duty abroad, DP Secretary General Dr Jacob Haji informed the senator that disciplinary action had been initiated. The letter required Mundigi to explain his conduct and publicly renounce Kenya Kwanza within 72 hours, warning that failure to do so would result in expulsion. It stated that DP had withdrawn from the coalition and expected all members to comply with that decision.

Mundigi has disputed the party’s position, arguing that DP remains part of Kenya Kwanza because its top decision-making organs, the National Delegates Committee and the National Governing Council, have not formally approved an exit. Through his lawyer, he maintained that without such a resolution, his support for the coalition does not violate party rules.

The senator also said he has continued to meet his financial obligations to DP, including a monthly contribution of Sh10,000, which he claims only a small number of elected party officials still pay. The disagreement follows an earlier announcement by DP leader Justin Muturi that he was leaving Kenya Kwanza. 

While this statement signalled a change in leadership direction, Mundigi argues that the party has not followed the required internal processes to formalise the decision, leaving its official position unclear. As a result, DP members are divided, with some backing Muturi’s stance and others, including Mundigi, continuing to support President William Ruto’s coalition.

Mundigi has now filed a case at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal seeking to stop his expulsion.