Senator Mundigi Challenges Expulsion Threat as Party Demands He Cut Ties with Kenya Kwanza

Embu Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi has moved to block attempts by the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) to expel him, escalating an internal party dispute triggered by his support for a rival candidate during the recent Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.

The row emerged after Mundigi openly backed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muthende, who narrowly won the seat with 15,802 votes, defeating Democratic Party nominee Newton Kariuki, who secured 15,308 votes. Following the loss, DP accused its only senator of actively campaigning against the party’s interests.

In a formal letter signed by party official Dr Haji, DP notified Mundigi of its intention to institute disciplinary proceedings against him, citing gross misconduct and violation of party rules as well as Section 148 of the Political Parties Act. The party alleged that Mundigi had continued to publicly align himself with the Kenya Kwanza coalition despite DP’s decision to politically disengage from the alliance.

“You have persistently supported activities, positions, and policies associated with the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, contrary to party directives,” the letter stated.

Party Ultimatum

DP further invoked provisions of its constitution that allow disciplinary action against members who campaign for rival parties, promote ideologies contrary to party policy, or act against the organisation’s objectives. The senator was directed to immediately cease any activities or public statements deemed inconsistent with DP’s official position.

The party also issued Mundigi with a 72-hour ultimatum to formally renounce his association with the Kenya Kwanza coalition and reaffirm his loyalty to DP. Failure to comply, the letter warned, would result in disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.

Mundigi Pushes Back

In his response, Mundigi rejected the accusations, insisting that he has not breached party rules. He argued that while DP leader Justin Muturi publicly announced a political exit from Kenya Kwanza in March 2025, the party’s top decision-making organs have never formally ratified such a move.

“The National Delegates Committee and the National Governing Council must pass a resolution before the party can legally exit a coalition government,” Mundigi said, maintaining that DP remains part of Kenya Kwanza.

The senator, who also serves as DP’s deputy party leader, said he has consistently supported the party financially, remitting Ksh10,000 monthly since his election in 2022. He noted that only two elected leaders on the DP ticket—himself and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku—had been making the contributions before Ruku’s appointment to the Cabinet.

Mundigi also complained about the manner in which the party communicated the disciplinary action, saying the notice was delivered through his personal assistant while he was on official duty outside the country.

Legal Intervention

To forestall his removal, Mundigi has petitioned the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, seeking protection from what he describes as an unlawful and procedurally flawed process. Through his lawyers, he argues that the party cannot punish him for supporting the ruling coalition while it remains formally aligned with Kenya Kwanza.