The Farmers Party on Tuesday, April 8, revealed its intention to decamp from the Kenya Kwanza coalition after it issued a 30-day notice of intention to exit the coalition.
Through a statement, former Party Leader Irungu Nyakera announced the new development, citing that the higher-ups in the coalition had gone against the coalition agreement and the Constitution.
“Today, the Farmers Party has officially announced its exit from the Kenya Kwanza coalition,” Nyakera stated.
"While the Farmers Party in good faith entered into a Coalition Agreement with like-minded parties under the Kenya Kwanza Coalition on 23rd March 2022, it is with deep regret that we note a consistent pattern of dishonesty, political infidelity, and outright disregard for both the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the spirit of our Coalition Agreement by our major coalition partner,” he added.
In addition, Nyakera alluded to the recent pact between the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party that resulted in the formation of the broad-based government as another reason for their exit.
The disgruntled party claimed the partnership was borne out of zero consultation or involvement of Kenya Kwanza constituent parties. This, according to Nyakera, was the ultimate deception to parties such as the Farmers Party.
“This move not only violates the trust upon which our coalition was founded but also undermines the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and mutual respect,” the party averred.
The party, which is currently headed by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is currently serving a jail term, noted that the notice would take effect from today.
In terms of the effect that it would have on President William Ruto’s control over Parliament, the party currently does not have any elected members in both houses. Therefore, it would be seen that the party’s exit will not have any effect on the power play in the legislative arm of government.
Former party head Nyakera recently grabbed headlines after Ruto revoked his appointment as the chair of the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC). Through a gazette notice, Ruto announced that Nyakera, a former principal secretary, would be replaced by Samuel Waweru.
This was seemingly tied to Nyakera’s declaration that he would be skipping Ruto's Mount Kenya tour, raising speculation about his political loyalty in the wake of recent realignments that followed the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the recent truce between Ruto and ODP chief Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Sunday, March 30, Nyakera stated that he would be otherwise engaged with school work at Oxford University.
"I will not be present during the President’s upcoming visit to Mt Kenya as I am still in school at Oxford University. That said, I want to share my message with the people and leaders of Mt Kenya," he stated.
