Munya Unyielding Rejects Gachagua’s Merger Bid, Signals Political Rift

Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya has firmly rejected calls by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Moreover, Mt. Kenya leaders oppose dissolving and merging into the Democracy for Citizens Party ahead of 2027 General Election.

Munya spoke during a joint press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Moreover, Justin Muturi and Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) leader Lenny Kivuti joined Munya.

Additionally, they maintained that opposition cooperation should be founded on mutual respect, equality, and institutional independence rather than political pressure.

Following recent remarks by Gachagua, parties from the Mt. Kenya region should fold into a single political outfit.

Moreover, they argue that a unified party would strengthen the region’s bargaining power in the next election.

Reading a joint statement, Munya emphasized that every registered political party is an independent constitutional entity.

Additionally, it has its own leadership structures and decision-making organs.

He argued that no individual has the authority to compel another party to surrender its identity.

Furthermore, a party cannot merge into a different political formation.

Durable political partnerships are built on equality, trust, and respect for institutional autonomy.

However, Munya warned against rhetoric that could undermine unity within the opposition.

The leaders also challenged claims that Gachagua is the sole political spokesperson for the Mt. Kenya region.

Moreover, the region has historically embraced pluralistic leadership.

They pointed to former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta as examples of leaders who upheld multiparty democracy.

Additionally, they did this without requiring regional parties to abandon their identities.

Moreover, preserving political diversity strengthens democratic participation and creates room for consultations as opposition parties prepare for the 2027 polls.

However, they reiterated their commitment to working with like-minded political formations.

They insisted that any alliance, including peter munya, must respect the autonomy of each participating party.

The disagreement exposes growing divisions over the opposition’s future in the Mt. Kenya region.

However, Gachagua advocates a single vehicle to consolidate regional support; Munya argues coalitions can succeed without dissolving parties.

Political observers expect further consultations among opposition leaders in the coming months. Additionally, these talks aim to establish a broad electoral coalition.

Whether those discussions produce a united alliance or deepen existing divisions remains uncertain. Thus, this will shape the region’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.