NAIROBI — The Kenya Kwanza political coalition has been dealt another blow, as the Farmers Party, once a vocal ally, formally announced its intention to leave the alliance.
The decision was made public on Monday through a strongly worded statement accusing the ruling coalition of political dishonesty and betrayal of foundational principles.
At the heart of the move is former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who has re-emerged as the public face of the party’s dissatisfaction. The Farmers Party, through Secretary General Simon Kamangu, delivered a 30-day notice of withdrawal, pointing to what it called a pattern of exclusion and a disregard for constitutional and coalition protocols.
“The recent unilateral agreement between Kenya Kwanza and ODM, signed without consulting constituent parties like ours, is proof of political conmanship,” said Kamangu.
“This undermines not just the coalition agreement, but also the values of inclusivity, transparency, and mutual respect.”
This marks the second such exit in recent weeks. The Democratic Party of Kenya, associated with former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, gave notice to withdraw from the coalition citing what it described as “untenable political developments”.
In a formal letter addressed to the Kenya Kwanza secretariat and copied to key coalition members—including UDA, Ford-Kenya, and Maendeleo Chap Chap—the Democratic Party said it could no longer be part of a political union that has drifted from its founding ideals.
“Kindly take notice that our stay in the Kenya Kwanza coalition is no longer tenable,” read the letter, signed by party Secretary General Jacob Haji and Chairman Esau Kioni. “This notice is effective from the date of this letter.”
The Farmers Party’s split follows months of quiet unease among smaller political partners, who have grown increasingly wary of President William Ruto’s shifting alliances—most recently with the opposition ODM party. This outreach has stoked concern among coalition partners who feel sidelined in decisions that affect the entire political house.
Waititu’s reappearance in the political spotlight adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding realignments. Once considered politically isolated, he now positions himself as a defender of what he calls “betrayed partners” within Kenya Kwanza.
As Kenya’s political terrain continues to shift ahead of the 2027 elections, the fate of the broader Kenya Kwanza coalition remains uncertain—with trust emerging as the coalition’s most endangered asset.
