Fresh divisions have surfaced within the Mt Kenya opposition as several regional party leaders openly opposed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua’s proposal to dissolve affiliate parties and merge them into DCP.
Leaders from the Democratic Party (DP), Party of National Unity (PNU), and Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) criticized Gachagua for attempting to sideline existing parties without their consent.
Opposition Leaders Voice Concerns
- Justin Muturi, DP leader, questioned the basis for Gachagua’s call, noting the parties were already established before DCP’s formation.
- Peter Munya, PNU leader, rejected any notion that Gachagua had been authorized to represent all Mt Kenya political groups.
- Lenny Kivuti, DEP leader, emphasized the right of parties to publicly express their views rather than waiting for closed-door meetings.
Efforts to Unite Opposition Continue
Meanwhile, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is spearheading negotiations aimed at consolidating opposition forces into a new coalition ahead of the 2027 general election. Following authorization from Azimio la Umoja Coalition bodies, Kalonzo met with Gachagua and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa to discuss enhancing cooperation among opposition parties.
Kalonzo highlighted the urgency of forming a united front to present a credible alternative to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance. Eugene Wamalwa echoed the call for a cohesive opposition capable of delivering effective leadership.
The contrasting views within Mt Kenya’s political leadership illustrate the complexities in building a unified opposition amidst diverse interests in this key electoral region.
