Democratic Party (Kenya)

The Democratic Party (DP) is a political party in Kenya. It was founded in 1991, amidst the push for multi-party democracy in Kenya after decades of single-party rule under the Kenya African National Union (KANU).

The DP was initially a prominent opposition party, challenging KANU's dominance. Its first presidential candidate was Mwai Kibaki in the 1992 elections. Kibaki finished second to Daniel arap Moi of KANU. He ran again as the DP candidate in the 1997 elections, again finishing second to Moi.

In 2002, the Democratic Party joined the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), an alliance of opposition parties that successfully defeated KANU and brought Mwai Kibaki to power as President. While Kibaki was the NARC candidate, his political roots were firmly in the DP.

Following the 2002 elections, internal divisions and shifting political alliances within NARC and the wider Kenyan political landscape led to the DP playing a less central role in national politics. It has continued to participate in subsequent elections, often forming alliances with other parties. The DP's influence has varied over time, depending on the prevailing political climate and its ability to forge strategic partnerships. Its ideology is generally considered center-right, advocating for free-market economics and democratic governance. As of recent elections, the party has struggled to regain its former prominence.