NAIROBI, Kenya- Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has moved to clarify his position on political cooperation in Mt Kenya, saying he is not pushing for political parties to merge but wants different formations in the region to work together to protect their votes ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid debate over his call for unity among Mt Kenya political parties, with some critics interpreting his push for coordination as a move towards collapsing smaller parties into one formation.
The claims were made by DP Leader Justin Muturi, PNU counterpart Peter Munya and Lenny Kivuti, who vowed not to merge their parties and join Gachagua’s DCP.
Speaking during a political engagement at his Wamunyoro residence, the former Deputy President said every party should maintain its identity and focus on building its own support base before any discussions on a joint presidential candidate.
“Everyone should market their own party. And there is no problem,” Gachagua said.
He said the priority should be strengthening party structures, increasing grassroots mobilisation and ensuring adequate representation during elections.
“I will talk to Muturi to invite all parties in Mt Kenya for a meeting. We need as many agents and many political parties,” he said.
Muturi Asked to Convene Mt Kenya Meeting
Gachagua said he would reach out to former Attorney General Justin Muturi to help bring together political parties from the region for discussions on election preparedness.
The DCP leader said the proposed meeting would focus on coordination, including how parties can protect their votes during the 2027 election process.
He praised Muturi, saying the former Public Service Cabinet Secretary had supported his party’s candidate during the Mbeere North by-election.
“I went to Mbeere North to campaign for DP candidate. I went there actively to campaign. I was hosted by my brother Muturi,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua claimed his preferred candidate won the Mbeere North contest but alleged that the outcome was affected by irregularities.
Appeal to Mt Kenya Political Figures
The former Deputy President also reached out to other leaders from the region, including former Meru Governor Peter Munya and Lenny Kivuti, asking them to participate in efforts to strengthen political coordination.
“We are also missing you in action. Lenny Kivuti and Peter Munya, please join us. Come we work together,” he said.
On former presidential candidate Martha Karua, Gachagua said he respected her political role and encouraged her continued engagement.
“Our sister Martha Karua, we respect her and we encourage her,” he said.
Karua has previously maintained her own political path through the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), while Gachagua leads DCP.
No Rush on Presidential Candidate
Gachagua said discussions on a joint presidential candidate should not happen before parties consolidate their support.
He argued that political formations must first establish their strength before deciding on who should lead any coalition.
“There is no hurry to arrive at a presidential candidate. There is time,” he said.
He added that DCP’s immediate focus was consolidating its own support.
“For us as DCP, our first mission is to consolidate.”
The remarks come as political parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Mt Kenya emerging as a key area of competition among different political formations.
Previous discussions have centred around efforts by various leaders to build regional cooperation ahead of the polls.
Gachagua has previously accused rival political actors of attempting to divide the Mt Kenya vote through multiple parties, while calling for stronger regional coordination.
