Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that he intends to undermine or wipe out other political parties in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri during a meeting with representatives from Mathioya and Kangema, Gachagua emphasized that DCP embraces fair competition and respects the existence of multiple parties within the region.
"DCP welcomes all parties to compete fairly," he stated, adding that the only political contest he wished to unify Mt Kenya politicians on was the presidency. He noted a regional consensus to oppose President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Gachagua's remarks came in response to accusations from Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, former Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya of the Party of National Unity (PNU), and Democratic Empowerment Party (DEP) leader Lenny Kivuti. They alleged that Gachagua sought to absorb or dissolve their parties into DCP.
The former Deputy President urged these leaders to focus on strengthening their parties and collaborating with DCP instead of making unfounded allegations.
Muturi, Munya, and Kivuti had earlier rejected what they described as Gachagua's call for them to disband their parties and merge with DCP. They maintained that political parties are independent entities governed by their constitutions and the Political Parties Act, and cannot be dissolved or merged without due process.
They also cited Article 38 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees citizens the freedom to form and participate in political parties of their choice.
