Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi is mounting a fierce legal and political challenge against a decision by the Democratic Party (DP) to expel him. The move, which could trigger a contentious by-election, threatens to not only end Mundigi's career but also to destabilize the intricate power-sharing arrangements within the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance.

The heart of the conflict lies in Mundigi's decision to campaign for a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Wamuthende, during the recent Mbeere North Constituency by-election. Wamuthende narrowly defeated the DP's own candidate, Newton Kariuki, a result that party officials have branded as a betrayal orchestrated by their own senator.

A Coalition's Loyalty Tested

In a formal letter, DP Secretary-General Dr. Jacob Haji accused Mundigi of gross misconduct and violating the Political Parties Act by supporting a rival. The party issued a 72-hour ultimatum, demanding the senator renounce his association with the Kenya Kwanza coalition and reaffirm his loyalty to DP. This demand came after the party's leader, Justin Muturi, signaled a political exit from the coalition earlier in the year.

Mundigi has refused to yield, arguing that his actions were in line with the coalition's spirit. Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, the senator contends that the Democratic Party has never formally resolved to leave Kenya Kwanza through its top decision-making bodies. "As far as I know, DP is still in Kenya Kwanza. There has been no lawful or official resolution to leave the coalition," Mundigi stated, framing the accusations as legally baseless.

The Battle for Embu and Beyond

This internal party squabble carries significant weight for the people of Embu County. Should the expulsion be upheld by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal and the courts, residents would be forced back to the ballot box, incurring costs and reigniting political tensions. Mundigi has vowed to fight the ouster, declaring he is prepared for both a political and legal showdown. "Those dreaming of a senatorial by-election are simply daydreaming. I was elected by the people of Embu, and they gave me a clear five-year mandate," Mundigi declared at a public event.

The saga also offers a glimpse into the simmering rivalries within the broader Mt. Kenya political landscape. While the DP's official statements form the basis of the expulsion, Senator Mundigi has pointed fingers at external forces. He has alleged that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is an "invisible hand" behind the plot, aiming to consolidate regional power by weakening other political parties. This accusation adds another layer to the already complex dynamics of coalition politics, where loyalty is constantly tested against ambition.

For now, Senator Mundigi remains defiant, insisting he is a loyal member of the Democratic Party who has been wrongly targeted. His fight for survival is now before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, a case that will be watched closely as a test of party discipline, coalition stability, and the political future of Embu County.