Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi and Party of National Unity chairman Peter Munya have jointly pushed back against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's efforts to dominate political parties in the Mt Kenya region.

In a statement released on August 4, the two leaders accused Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), of trying to coerce other parties into aligning with his agenda, undermining their independence.

Call for Respect and Dialogue

Muturi and Munya emphasized that their restraint should not be mistaken for submission. They urged Gachagua to stop making divisive statements and instead engage in structured dialogue and consultation with all like-minded political groups.

  • They stressed that political partnerships must be based on equality, trust, and respect for each party's autonomy.
  • They declared they would not accept any scenario where one party dictates terms to others.
  • Both leaders remain open to alliances that honor the independence of all member parties.

Questioning Gachagua's Mt Kenya Influence

The statement directly challenges the notion that Gachagua is the undisputed leader of Mt Kenya politics. Muturi and Munya insisted no single individual or party has the authority to speak for the entire region or control its political direction.

Since his impeachment as Deputy President in October 2024, Gachagua has used the DCP to advance his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections. His aggressive outreach has drawn criticism from other regional leaders who accuse him of sidelining rival parties instead of fostering genuine alliances.