The Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) party leader Justin Muturi has accused the DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua of political bullying and double speak, adding that one community alone cannot make a leader, the President of Kenya.
In a statement dated November 2, 2026, Muturi emphasized that the presidency is won through national consensus, strategic alliances and the ability to unite Kenyans across ethnic and regional boundaries.
“I wish to put the United Opposition on notice: the current political trajectory being pursued by Mr Gachagua raises serious questions about his commitment to the collective presidential ambition of the Wantam movement,” read part of Muturi’s statement.
“His persistent attempts to undermine established cooperation and his insistence on tripartite political arrangements risk creating the impression that he is preparing for post-election political bargaining rather than prioritising the ultimate prize: State House,” he added.
At the same time, the DP party leader wondered whether the objective of the opposition was to win the presidency or to control MPs, legislators and devolved units while sacrificing the bigger national ambition.
He emphasized that building a winning national coalition requires compromise, maturity and strategic thinking.
According to the DP party, a tripartite arrangement is not a magic formula for State House.
“Fragmenting an opposition that needs unity raises serious questions about the political direction being pursued. Let it be clear: No individual owns the United Opposition, and no community has a monopoly on Kenya’s presidency. Political partnerships must be built on mutual respect, not ultimatums, political bullying or supremacy contests,” he explained.
At the same time, Muturi reminded Gachagua of his own family’s political history.
“His late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, won the gubernatorial contest against TNA, the political vehicle that produced President Uhuru Kenyatta, despite GNU supporting Uhuru. That history should remind us that political alliances are complex and no political formation belongs to one individual,” read part of the DP statement.
Muturi insisted that the assumption that three separate political formations can automatically deliver the Wantam presidency is deeply questionable.
“Kenya’s presidential politics cannot be reduced to ethnic arithmetic, regional strongholds or individual bargaining power. Such fragmentation risks undermining the aspirations of millions of Kenyans seeking political change,” he noted.
“The United Opposition must decide whether it is building one national movement with a shared presidential ambition or creating separate political kingdoms whose leaders will negotiate individual interests after the elections,” he added.
Meanwhile, Muturi maintained that no individual ambition should be allowed to overshadow the aspirations of millions of Kenyans.
“As the Democratic Party, we remain ready and willing to engage in dialogue with all those who are genuinely committed to meaningful talks and constructive solutions. However, let it be clear: we will not capitulate to mischief, intimidation, or any attempts to undermine our principles,” read part of DP statement.
