Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya, Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi and Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) leader Lenny Kivuti have dismissed calls by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urging opposition parties to dissolve and merge into the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
Addressing a joint press conference on Tuesday, the three leaders said opposition parties remain committed to building a united front for the 2027 General Election but insisted that cooperation should not come at the expense of individual party identities.
Leaders back unity without party dissolution
Munya said political collaboration should be anchored on consultation, mutual respect and institutional independence rather than demands for parties to disband.
He urged Gachagua to embrace dialogue among opposition partners, arguing that lasting political alliances are built through equality and trust.
According to Munya, every party has invested time and resources in building its structures and should be allowed to continue growing while working alongside like-minded partners.
He maintained that preserving party identities would strengthen rather than weaken the opposition coalition.
Parties free to make independent choices
The former Cabinet Secretary said there was no disagreement between the three parties and DCP, stressing that every political outfit has a right to exist and compete freely.
He argued that Kenyans should be free to support any political party without facing intimidation or pressure to join a particular movement.
Munya added that democratic competition requires political diversity and warned against creating an environment where some parties are celebrated while others are discouraged from operating.
Response to Gachagua’s appeal
The remarks come after Gachagua repeatedly called on leaders, particularly from the Mt Kenya region, to fold their parties into DCP as part of efforts to consolidate the opposition before the 2027 polls.
The former Deputy President has maintained that a single political vehicle would strengthen the opposition’s chances of unseating President William Ruto.
His appeal gained momentum following DCP’s victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, which he described as evidence of the party’s growing support.
DCP eyes nationwide expansion
Gachagua has since announced plans to transform DCP into a national party by fielding candidates in all 47 counties during the next General Election.
The party is targeting candidates for governor, senator, Member of Parliament and Member of County Assembly positions across the country.
He has also promised transparent party nominations and encouraged aspiring leaders from different regions to join DCP ahead of the 2027 campaigns.
Despite those calls, Munya, Muturi and Kivuti maintained that opposition parties can cooperate under a common political agenda while retaining their respective identities, saying unity does not require the dissolution of established political parties.
