A section of opposition political parties has openly challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, insisting that he has neither been appointed nor authorized to represent the political interests of the Mt Kenya region.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, officials from the Democratic Party (DP), PNU, Umoja na Maendeleo Party and BUS Party dismissed what they termed as Gachagua’s attempts to portray himself as the political spokesperson for all parties and communities in the region.
The parties stated that Gachagua had no mandate to speak on behalf of the Mt Kenya electorate or its political formations.
“We also reject any impression that Hon. Gachagua has been appointed or mandated to speak on behalf of all the people or political parties of the Mt. Kenya region,” the statement read.
They further emphasized that no meeting had been convened and no agreement reached granting Gachagua such authority.
The leaders were responding to remarks Gachagua made during a church service in Meru on July 26, 2026, where he reportedly urged several parties, including DP, PNU, Umoja na Maendeleo Party and BUS Party, to dissolve and merge with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
While firmly rejecting the proposal, the parties argued that leadership cannot be claimed through self-declaration but must be built on public trust, service and broad consensus.
“Leadership is earned through service, humility and consensus, not through declarations of supremacy over independent political formations,” they said.
The coalition also pointed to the leadership styles of former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, noting that none sought to force political parties to dissolve or declared themselves the sole political leaders of the Mt Kenya region.
The parties reiterated that every political party is an independent institution safeguarded by the Constitution and the Political Parties Act, adding that decisions regarding their future can only be made through their respective lawful governing organs.
Despite rejecting Gachagua’s proposal, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to working with other opposition groups to provide an alternative to President William Ruto’s administration.
However, they stressed that any political cooperation must be founded on dialogue, mutual respect and voluntary agreement.
“Unity must be anchored on mutual respect, consultation and voluntary cooperation, not coercion, political ultimatums or demands for surrender,” the statement concluded.
