The Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), associated with former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, has officially aligned itself with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s camp.
The party had early 2025 that it does not have any formal coalition with any outfit, including Kenya Kwanza.
During its National Delegates Conference held in Embu on Monday, June 16, 2025, the party—popularly known by its symbol “the Bus”—announced its intention to collaborate with the opposition to ensure President William Ruto serves only one term.
Led by National Chairman Lenny Kivuti, DEP delegates alleged the government had lost public support, saying they no longer wished to be associated with it.
“We have decided to listen to the voices of ordinary citizens and act according to their shared aspirations,” said Kivuti.
The delegates pledged to align themselves with a movement supported by the majority of Kenyans, without formally merging with any specific political party.
“We’re bringing DEP on board with the popular wave being championed by our brothers, but we will not formally join any single party. We don’t want to repeat past mistakes—we are going where the people are,” said Kivuti.
He added that DEP would work with opposition leaders, including Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Fred Matiang’i, and Martha Karua to "liberate the country from the chains of oppression."
The delegates expressed disappointment with the government over the rising wave of extrajudicial killings, the high cost of living, and general underperformance.
He further faulted the current regime over what he claimed was a failure to deliver on its promises.
“We will team up with the opposition to remove this government through the ballot,” he said, promising to welcome opposition leaders to Embu County for anti-government campaigns.
DEP also announced plans to field candidates for all elective positions in Embu County in the 2027 general election, with similar strategies expected in other counties across the country.
The party intends to actively involve Generation Z in all its activities and development programs, and also commit to championing the rights of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups to live dignified and productive lives.
During the meeting, DEP delegates endorsed Newton Kariuki,
the current Muminji Ward representative, as their preferred candidate for the
Mbeere North parliamentary seat.
Kariuki is set to run on a Democratic Party (DP) ticket, which DEP termed a friendly affiliate.
“We will support him fully. DP is a friendly party, and we are united in this cause,” Kivuti said.
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who currently serves as DEP party leader, was present at the meeting.
However, Kiraitu Murungi did not attend.
