Leaders of several opposition parties have dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s proposal to dissolve their political outfits and merge into the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
Peter Munya of the Party of National Unity (PNU), Justin Muturi from the Democratic Party (DP), and Lenny Kivuti of the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) jointly addressed the media on Tuesday, affirming commitment to collaboration without sacrificing their parties’ distinct identities.
Unity Without Merging
Munya urged for structured dialogue and mutual respect among opposition parties, warning against rhetoric that could deepen divisions. He stressed that sustainable alliances are built on equality, trust, and respect for each party's independence rather than demanding dissolution.
“It is contradictory to invest in building party structures and at the same time be expected to dissolve and merge into another party,” Munya noted.
The leaders emphasized that Kenyans should freely choose their political affiliations without pressure or intimidation, underscoring that democracy flourishes when diverse political expressions are respected.
Background to the Call
Gachagua has been actively encouraging political leaders, particularly from the Mt Kenya region, to consolidate under DCP ahead of the 2027 General Election. Following DCP’s recent win in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, he described the party as the dominant political vehicle in the region.
He announced plans for DCP to field candidates nationwide for various elective positions, including governor, senator, MP, and MCA seats, targeting significant representation across counties.
Gachagua also invited aspiring politicians to join DCP, highlighting transparent nominations as a key advantage and pointing to recent electoral successes as evidence of the party’s rising appeal.
