Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has refuted allegations that he plans to weaken or dismantle other political parties in the Mt Kenya region.
Addressing a delegation from Mathioya and Kangema at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, Gachagua clarified that he welcomes political pluralism in the region and holds no objection to multiple parties operating in Mt Kenya. The former Deputy President explained that DCP is ready to engage in fair political competition and will not interfere with rival formations seeking to expand their reach.
“I want to clarify that DCP welcomes all parties to compete fairly,” Gachagua said.
However, Gachagua drew a clear line regarding the presidency, insisting that regional politicians must unite on a single candidate to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
“The only seat I do not want competition among ourselves is that of presidency because we all are in agreement that we must send President William Ruto home,” he stated.
His statements responded to mounting criticism from rival regional political figures, including Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya, and Democratic Empowerment Party (DEP) chief Lenny Kivuti. The trio had on Tuesday publicly accused Gachagua of trying to crush other political outfits in Mt Kenya to consolidate his own control.
Rather than seeking their dissolution, Gachagua urged the leaders to partner with DCP while advising them to focus on building their own party structures instead of leveling accusations against him. He noted that his primary focus remains on strengthening DCP’s national presence and that other party leaders should do the same for their respective outfits.
The row stems from comments Gachagua reportedly made during a church service in Meru on July 26, where he suggested that parties like the Democratic Party, PNU, DEP, and Umoja na Maendeleo Party should dissolve and join DCP.
Rebuffing his proposal at a joint news conference, Muturi, Munya, and Kivuti stated that Gachagua lacks both the legal and moral authority to dictate the trajectory of independent political organizations. They condemned the proposal as disrespecting party members and officials who have built those institutions over time.
The three leaders stressed that under the Political Parties Act and party constitutions, decisions regarding mergers or dissolutions rest exclusively with legitimate party organs. Citing Article 38 of the Constitution, they reminded Gachagua that all Kenyans possess the guaranteed right to form, join, and participate in the political party of their choice.
Read More – Mt. Kenya Parties Defy Gachagua, Insist on Political Independence
