Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has responded sharply to allegations from Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi. The two accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of pressuring their parties to dissolve and merge into the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

In a statement released on August 4, 2026, Linturi, now DCP's National Organising Secretary, told Munya and Muturi that no invitation had been extended for them to join the DCP. He emphasized that political competition is a natural aspect of democracy and advised them to reflect on their parties' poor electoral results instead of blaming the DCP.

Political Competition and Electoral Performance

Linturi said, "In a democracy, political banter is inevitable. However, when election results hurt you, do not deflect or become overly emotional. Instead, engage in some soul-searching. Hii siasa haitaki makasiriko."

He added that all political parties are free to promote themselves within legal boundaries and encouraged Munya and Muturi to focus on strengthening their parties rather than criticizing DCP.

By-Election Results Highlight DCP’s Growing Influence

To back his defense, Linturi cited recent by-election outcomes showcasing DCP's rising popularity:

  • In Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, the PNU candidate received 80 votes, while DCP’s candidate secured 10,760 votes.
  • At the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, PNU garnered 28 votes compared to DCP’s 35,440 votes.
  • In Evurore and Muminji ward by-elections, both MBASS and Democratic Party candidates lost in their traditional strongholds.

He questioned how DCP could be blamed for these losses and urged the leaders to adopt persuasion over intimidation, reminding them that "Maamuzi ni ya wananchi, ndugu zangu!"

Background to the Dispute

The comments from Linturi come shortly after Munya and Muturi accused Gachagua of seeking to consolidate political support ahead of the 2027 General Election by encouraging leaders from other parties to fold their outfits and join DCP.