The Democratic Party (DP), one of Kenya’s oldest political vehicles, is dusting off its gears and roaring back to life. Today, delegates from across the 47 counties have converged at the historic Ufungamano House in Nairobi for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) that promises to redefine the party’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Under the stewardship of Party Leader and former Attorney General Justin Muturi, the DP is positioning itself not just as a coalition partner, but as a formidable standalone entity with a distinct identity. The choice of Ufungamano House—a venue synonymous with Kenya’s second liberation struggles—is symbolic. It signals a return to the party’s roots of governance, economic prudence, and the legacy of its founder, Mwai Kibaki.

The Third Force Strategy?

With the ruling UDA consolidating power and the opposition ODM embroiled in a messy succession crisis following the death of Raila Odinga, the DP sees a vacuum. Muturi’s camp is betting that the Kenyan electorate is weary of the binary dynastic politics and is yearning for a "safe pair of hands."

"We are not here to spectate," Muturi told a pre-conference briefing. "The Democratic Party has a history of fixing the economy. We are rebooting that engine today." The NDC is expected to elect new officials, ratify the party’s constitution, and authorize a nationwide recruitment drive.

• The Agenda: The delegates will deliberate on the party's stance on the Finance Bill, regional alliances, and the criteria for fielding candidates in all elective positions in 2027.
• The Leadership: A new crop of "Young Turks" is expected to be voted into the National Executive Council (NEC) to give the party a youthful face while retaining the experience of the old guard.
• The Alliances: While currently part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, insiders suggest the DP is strengthening its bargaining power to ensure it is treated as an equal partner, or to prepare for a solo run if the coalition pact sours.

A Crowded Field

The revival of the DP adds another layer of complexity to the 2027 matrix. As smaller parties like the Ukweli Party face deregistration for non-compliance, Muturi’s move to regularize DP’s status is a masterstroke in survival. By getting its house in order early, the party avoids the last-minute scramble that plagues Kenyan coalitions.

As the delegates chant slogans and cast their votes, the message to the political class is clear: The party of the economy is back in business. Whether it can translate nostalgia into votes remains the ultimate test.