Muturi, Kivuti, Munya reject Gachagua call to fold parties; join DCP

By Newsflash Reporter

Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi, Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya and Alliance Party of Kenya (MBUS) leader Lenny Kivuti have firmly rejected calls by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua for their parties to dissolve and join DCP, saying such a proposal undermines the independence of political parties and violates democratic principles.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the three leaders said each political party is an independent institution established under the Constitution and the Political Parties Act and cannot be dissolved or merged through unilateral declarations by another political leader.

Parties defend independence

The leaders were responding to remarks attributed to Gachagua during a church service in Meru on July 26, where he reportedly urged the Democratic Party, PNU, Umoja na Maendeleo Party and MBUS Party to fold and join DCP ahead of the 2027 General Election.

They argued that any decision to dissolve, merge or change the future of a political party can only be made by the lawful organs of that party in accordance with its constitution and the law.

“The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the freedom to make political choices, including the right to form, join and participate in a political party of their choice,” the leaders said, adding that Gachagua had “neither the legal nor the moral authority” to determine the future of other political parties.

While reaffirming their commitment to working with like-minded parties to provide an alternative to President William Ruto’s administration, they maintained that such cooperation must be founded on mutual respect, consultation and voluntary partnerships rather than coercion or political ultimatums.

The trio also criticised what they termed as contradictions in Gachagua’s political approach, noting that while he was calling for established parties to dissolve, he had continued hosting elected United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders and senior government officials at his residence.

They argued that if political realignments were to be based on principle, then elected leaders leaving UDA should resign and seek fresh mandates from voters through by-elections instead of relying on negotiated defections.

2027 ambitions remain intact

The three leaders further rejected any suggestion that Gachagua speaks on behalf of all political parties or communities in the Mt Kenya region, saying no consensus had ever been reached granting him such authority.

They observed that even former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta never sought to compel other political parties to dissolve or declared themselves the sole political leaders of the region.

“Leadership is earned through service, humility and consensus—not through declarations of supremacy over independent political formations,” they stated.

The leaders said they had deliberately exercised restraint despite repeated attacks directed at their parties but warned that such restraint should not be mistaken for acquiescence. They urged Gachagua to embrace structured dialogue, consultation and respect for institutional autonomy, saying durable political partnerships can only be built on equality and trust.

Their latest stand also comes as the three parties prepare for the 2027 General Election with distinct political ambitions.

Kivuti is expected to contest the Embu gubernatorial seat while Munya has already declared his interest in the Meru governorship.

Muturi, on the other hand, has maintained that he will vie for the presidency in 2027, signalling that their respective parties intend to remain active political vehicles rather than fold into DCP.