Justin Muturi reinstated as Democratic Party leader

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi/SCREENGRAB

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has been reinstated as the Democratic Party (DP) leader, marking a dramatic political comeback following a bitter fallout with President William Ruto.

The announcement was made by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which resolved unanimously to reinstate Muturi with immediate effect.

However, the move remains subject to ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC) scheduled for later this year.

“I sincerely thank the members of the NEC for their confidence in me and their unanimous resolution to reinstate me as the party leader,” Muturi said in a statement.

“This is not just a personal honour, but a call to action as we rebuild, re-energise, and reposition the Democratic Party for the future.”

Muturi had formally stepped down as DP leader in October 2022 to assume the role of Attorney General after backing Ruto in the run-up to the 2022 general election.

However, relations between the two soured over time, culminating in Muturi’s dismissal in March.

His ouster followed months of mounting tensions, with Muturi emerging as a vocal government critic, notably on issues of abductions and extrajudicial killings.

Earlier this year, Muturi publicly condemned the abduction of his son, which he claimed was carried out by State agents.

Ruto replaced Muturi with Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku in the Ministry of Public Service, accusing the former AG of being “incompetent.”

Muturi, in response, claimed he had requested to be excused from attending Cabinet meetings until the issue of forced disappearances and killings was formally addressed.

The Democratic Party, which was founded by the late former President Mwai Kibaki, has also formally distanced itself from the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

In a letter dated March 7, the party notified the alliance of its intention to exit, citing irreconcilable differences and a deteriorating working relationship.

“The party’s continued stay within the Kenya Kwanza fold is no longer tenable,” the letter stated.

DP had fielded Muturi as its presidential candidate in the 2022 elections before entering a coalition agreement with Ruto.