Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is encountering resistance within the opposition after urging smaller political parties to dissolve and merge into his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

In a joint statement, leaders of the Democratic Party, Party of National Unity (PNU), and Umoja na Maendeleo Party—namely Justin Muturi, Peter Munya, and Lenny Kivuti—condemned Gachagua’s proposal as an overreach beyond his mandate.

The trio emphasized that each political party is an independent entity protected under Kenya’s constitution and cannot be dissolved by declarations from other party leaders. They cited Article 38, which guarantees every Kenyan the freedom to form and participate in political parties of their choice.

During a church service in Meru, Gachagua had called on the Democratic Party, PNU, Umoja na Maendeleo Party, and Bus Party to join the DCP. However, the leaders firmly rejected this, stating:

  • Party dissolution decisions must be made by the respective party organs in line with their constitutions and the Political Parties Act.
  • Opposition unity should be founded on mutual respect, consultation, and voluntary cooperation, not coercion or ultimatums.
  • Gachagua does not have the mandate to speak on behalf of all Mt Kenya region political parties or its people.

The statement also highlighted perceived double standards, noting Gachagua’s openness to absorbing elected UDA officials into DCP while demanding other parties dissolve.

They challenged him to encourage UDA-elected representatives to resign and seek fresh mandates if political realignment is to be principled and democratic.

While the leaders have so far exercised restraint to maintain opposition cohesion, they warned that their silence should not be taken as acceptance of divisive rhetoric.

They urged Gachagua to engage in structured dialogue and warned against attempts to monopolize political influence in Mt Kenya, stressing that democracy thrives on free competition and voters’ independent choices.

This public rebuttal reveals growing tensions within the opposition coalition as it navigates unity ahead of upcoming elections. The refusal to accept DCP as the dominant opposition vehicle underscores the challenges of balancing regional interests and party identities.