NAIROBI, Kenya- Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has accused DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua of political bullying and double-speak, warning that his push for a tripartite political arrangement could weaken the opposition’s shared presidential ambition.
In a statement, Muturi said no Kenyan president had won through the support of one community alone, arguing that a successful presidential campaign required national consensus and alliances across ethnic and regional lines.
He questioned whether Gachagua was prioritising the opposition’s bid for State House or seeking greater influence over MPs, legislators and devolved units for post-election negotiations.
“Is the objective to win the presidency or to control MPs, legislators and devolved units while sacrificing the bigger national ambition?” Muturi asked.
Muturi warns against opposition fragmentation
Muturi said a tripartite arrangement was not a guaranteed path to State House and warned that dividing the opposition could undermine the goal of political change.
He said political partnerships should be based on mutual respect and compromise, rather than ultimatums or contests over supremacy.
No individual, he added, owned the United Opposition, and no community had a monopoly on the presidency.
Muturi also cited the political history of Gachagua’s late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, who won against TNA in a gubernatorial contest despite the party’s backing of Uhuru Kenyatta.
He said the outcome showed that political alliances were complex and that no political formation belonged to one person.
The Democratic Party leader urged opposition leaders to decide whether they were building one national movement around a shared presidential candidate or separate political formations focused on individual interests after the election.
Democratic Party says it is open to talks
Muturi described the “Komboa Kenya” campaign as a national undertaking that required sacrifice, discipline and commitment to a common goal.
He said the Democratic Party remained willing to engage in dialogue with leaders committed to constructive talks, but would not give in to intimidation or attempts to undermine its principles.
“Kenya is bigger than any one politician. State House is the national prize. Unity must not be sacrificed at the altar of individual political survival,” Muturi said.
