Farmers Party Drops Bombshell: Quits Kenya Kwanza Over Betrayal
Nairobi, Kenya – April 8, 2025 – In a major political development that could shake the foundations of the ruling coalition, the Farmers Party—associated with former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu—has issued an official 30-day notice to exit the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, citing deep betrayal, political infidelity, and a consistent pattern of dishonesty by key coalition partners.
This announcement was communicated through a formal letter dated 8th April 2025 and addressed to the Chairperson of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition Secretariat. The letter, signed by Simon Kamangu, the Secretary General of the Farmers Party, indicates that the party’s decision was reached unanimously by its National Executive Committee following a meeting held on 7th April 2025.
A Coalition Built on Good Faith — But Broken by Betrayal
The Farmers Party, which joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance on 23rd March 2022, said it did so in good faith. Their entry into the coalition was driven by a shared vision of empowering Kenyan farmers, guaranteeing fair prices for their produce through the Minimum Guarantee Return (MGR), and improving the living standards of ordinary citizens through economic reforms centered around people.
However, that optimism has now turned into disillusionment.
In the exit letter, the Farmers Party expresses “deep regret” over what it describes as a “consistent pattern of dishonesty, political infidelity, and outright disregard” for both the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and the binding Coalition Agreement that guided their participation in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
The Breaking Point: The ODM Broad-Based Agreement
The final straw, according to the letter, was the recent unilateral signing of a Broad-Based Government Agreement between the Kenya Kwanza Coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, led by Raila Odinga. This agreement, the Farmers Party claims, was made without any consultation or involvement of constituent parties like themselves.
“This move not only violates the trust upon which our coalition was founded, but also undermines the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and mutual respect,” reads the strongly worded letter.
According to political insiders, this Broad-Based Government Agreement was aimed at building national unity and easing political tensions, but it has instead created deeper cracks within the alliance as smaller parties feel left out and betrayed.
Farmers Party Slams Kenya Kwanza’s “Political Conmanship”
The letter doesn’t mince words. It brands the recent political maneuverings by Kenya Kwanza leadership as “the final confirmation of the political conmanship that has come to define the coalition.” This sharp criticism raises concerns about the leadership and integrity of the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Farmers Party emphasized that the coalition’s current trajectory has completely deviated from its original manifesto and ethical compass, turning into a playground for betrayal, power grabs, and impunity.
What’s Next? 30-Day Exit Countdown Begins
In accordance with Clause 8 (Termination) of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition Agreement, the Farmers Party has formally issued a thirty (30) day notice of its intention to exit the coalition. This means that by early May 2025, the party will no longer be bound by any obligations under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
The letter has been copied to key political stakeholders, including:
- The Registrar of Political Parties
- The Secretary General of FORD-Kenya
- The Secretary General of United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
- The now-dissolved Amani National Congress (ANC)
Political Ramifications: Could More Parties Follow?
Political analysts believe that the Farmers Party’s dramatic exit could trigger a ripple effect among other smaller parties within Kenya Kwanza that feel sidelined by the leadership’s decisions. There is growing concern that Kenya Kwanza’s alleged betrayal of its founding principles may force other fringe parties to re-evaluate their position within the alliance.
Some political commentators have also pointed out that this could mark the beginning of serious political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ferdinand Waititu’s Role and Possible Comeback
Though former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has kept a low profile in recent months, his association with the Farmers Party places him at the center of this political fallout. Sources close to the former governor suggest that he could be using this exit as a strategic move to re-enter active politics with a fresh wave of grassroots support—especially among farmers and rural communities.
Waititu, once a vocal critic of President Uhuru Kenyatta and an ardent supporter of William Ruto during the 2022 elections, may be positioning himself as a leader of a new political front ahead of 2027.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Kenyans on social media have been quick to react to the news, with hashtags like #FarmersPartyExitsKK and #KenyaKwanzaBetrayal trending on X (formerly Twitter). Some users praised the Farmers Party for standing up for its principles, while others criticized the timing and questioned the party’s real motives.
One user posted, “They helped build the house, now they want to burn it down. Political convenience at its peak.”
Another tweeted, “Kudos to Farmers Party for not being silent partners in betrayal. This is the accountability we need.”
Will This Hurt Kenya Kwanza?
The exit of the Farmers Party, though seemingly minor in parliamentary numbers, is symbolically powerful. It highlights discontent from within and adds to a growing list of grievances aired by various parties and civil society organizations against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
If the current trend continues and other parties follow suit, President William Ruto’s administration may soon face a legitimacy crisis within its own alliance, putting its legislative agenda and future electoral ambitions in jeopardy.
Conclusion
The Farmers Party’s exit from Kenya Kwanza is more than a political divorce—it’s a warning shot. It reveals the deep cracks festering beneath the surface of the ruling coalition and raises serious questions about internal democracy, loyalty, and transparency within political alliances in Kenya.
Whether this move leads to a broader realignment or remains an isolated protest will depend on how the Kenya Kwanza leadership responds in the coming days. One thing is clear: the countdown to May 2025 has officially begun, and with it, a new phase in Kenya’s ever-evolving political landscape.
