Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has rejected claims that he is seeking to have smaller opposition parties in the Mt Kenya region disband and join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), saying the allegations are false and only serve to create unnecessary divisions within the opposition.
Addressing a delegation from Murang'a County at his Wamunyoro residence on Wednesday, Gachagua responded to recent criticism from Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya and Devolution Empowerment Party leader Lenny Kivuti. He said the three leaders had been misinformed and insisted that he has never asked any political party to fold.
Instead, Gachagua said he believes a coalition made up of several strong political parties would be better prepared for the 2027 General Election, particularly in protecting votes through a wider network of election agents across the country.
“I have heard Lenny Kivuti, Justin Muturi and Peter Munya. I think they are misguided. I believe in many political parties because they will give us many agents. In Ol Kalou, we benefited because we had eight sets of agents against those of President William Ruto. That is why I want many political parties. I have never encouraged anybody to fold their political party,” Gachagua said.
He challenged the three leaders to invest their energy in growing their own parties, arguing that the strength of the opposition will depend on how well each affiliate builds support before the next polls.
Gachagua also referenced the recent Ol Kalou by-election, where PNU secured only 28 votes, saying the outcome reflected the party's inability to connect with voters rather than any actions taken by DCP or other opposition partners.
He, however, welcomed competition among parties within the United Opposition, saying every party should be free to field candidates for elective seats. The only exception, he added, should be the presidential race, where the coalition should rally behind one flag bearer.
The former Deputy President also defended DCP's growing popularity, saying its expansion has been driven by consistent grassroots mobilisation and sustained engagement with wananchi.
His response follows remarks made on Tuesday by Munya, Muturi and Kivuti, who accused Gachagua of weakening other parties in the opposition and acting as though he speaks on behalf of the entire Mt Kenya region.
During a joint address, the three leaders called for mutual respect, consultation and orderly engagement among political parties, saying competition should not come at the expense of unity within the opposition.
They also maintained that Gachagua had not been given the authority to represent either Mt Kenya political parties or the region's people, urging all leaders to respect the independence of every party as political activity ahead of the 2027 election gathers pace.