The Democratic Party of Kenya is not new in the Kenyan Political Sphere. The 27 year old party that was considered dead by a section of Kenyans and politicians is now rising from the dead all thanks to Gatundu MP Moses Kuria .
Reports that Mr. Kuria is joining the political outfit made us dig deep into the books of the Party so as to have a clear picture of everything there is to do with it.
“To all my detractors out there, let us meet at the grassroots. DP is the party of the region. We leave the others to (Nominated MP Maina) Kamanda,” he posted Friday on one of the post on social media. said Kuria.
The DP leadership has reacted to Kuria’s declaration by opening their doors for him.
When contacted, DP National Chairman Esau Kioni said that the MP had not called him but added that Mr Kuria is welcome to the 27-year-old political party.
“Kuria’s support is welcome though according to the law, he would lose his seat in Parliament if he ditches Jubilee formally. There are many other politicians including sitting elected leaders and those who lost in the last election who have shown interest to join DP,” said Mr Kioni.
He said the party’s national executive council (NEC) held a meeting in Nairobi and passed a resolution to rebrand and prepare for the 2022 elections.
Mr Kioni said DP will field a presidential candidate to face off with other aspirants who include Deputy President William Ruto.
Hotelier Patrick Munene Kairu, who is also a member of the party and who unsuccessfully vied for the Nyeri governor’s seat in the last election, said the DP national office resolved to embrace Mr Kuria because of his huge following in Mt Kenya and his outspoken nature.
He said that a host of sitting MPs, senators and governors have approached the party silently seeking membership as they prepare for 2022 elections.
Though the party officials decline to reveal the names of these politicians, it has been revealed that among those who have approached DP are businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, Mr Kenneth and Mr Kamanda.
Others mentioned are former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, his rival Charles Kibiru and former Murang’a senator Kembi Gitura.
DP, which refused to dissolve to join Jubilee, is apparently receiving funding from wealthy politicians and entrepreneurs from Central Kenya.
On Mr Kuria’s intention to vie for presidency in 2022, Mr Kioni said his party cannot assure him the ticket but he will have to compete with other candidates who will seek the DP ticket.
Is DP the Party for the People of Central Region?