Justin Muturi has called for mutual respect among opposition partners ahead of the 2027 election.
The Democratic Party leader warns that separate political formations could weaken opposition unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of political bullying amid growing Mt Kenya rivalry. He warned that divisions could undermine opposition efforts to defeat President William Ruto in 2027.
In a statement, Muturi challenged Gachagua’s push for a tripartite political arrangement within the United Opposition. He argued that the proposal risked splitting the coalition rather than strengthening its presidential campaign.
The dispute pits Muturi’s Democratic Party against Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party as both seek regional support. Meanwhile, opposition leaders face the task of building a common strategy for the next General Election.
Mt Kenya rivalry tests opposition unity
Muturi questioned whether Gachagua’s approach served the opposition’s shared ambition under the Wantam movement. Instead of prioritising individual interests, he urged leaders to focus on winning the presidency.
He also questioned whether separate formations would advance that goal or strengthen leaders’ control over legislators and devolved units. For Muturi, competition for those positions should not come at the expense of the national campaign.
The DP leader argued that support from one community could not deliver Kenya’s presidency. Rather, he said successful campaigns required national consensus and alliances that bring together voters across regional and ethnic boundaries.
He further cautioned that three separate political formations would not automatically secure an electoral victory. Coalition partners, he maintained, needed compromise, maturity and strategic thinking, not a contest over political supremacy.
Muturi calls for dialogue and mutual respect
Muturi said neither an individual nor a community could claim ownership of the United Opposition. He therefore urged partners to build their relationships on mutual respect rather than intimidation or ultimatums.
To illustrate the complexity of alliances, he cited Gachagua’s late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua. Nderitu won the governorship against TNA, former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political vehicle, even though GNU supported Uhuru.
Muturi argued that this history showed why no formation should claim ownership of the political landscape. He also warned against reducing presidential contests to ethnic calculations, regional strongholds and individual bargaining power.
The DP leader challenged opposition politicians to choose between a shared national movement and separate political power bases. He described the Komboa Kenya initiative as a national undertaking requiring sacrifice, discipline and commitment.
However, Muturi said his party remained open to constructive dialogue with other leaders. He maintained that DP would reject intimidation and efforts to compromise its principles while pursuing opposition unity.
