Political Parties Reject Gachagua’s Call to Dissolve and Join DCP

By Monyonge Kebati

A section of political party leaders has pushed back against remarks attributed to Democratic Coalition Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, rejecting calls for other parties to dissolve and merge with his party.

In a joint statement, the leaders said they were concerned by remarks allegedly made by Gachagua during a church service in Meru on July 26, 2026, in which he reportedly urged the Democratic Party (DP), PNU, Umoja na Maendeleo Party and the BUS Party to dissolve and join the DCP.

The leaders maintained that every registered political party is an independent institution established under the Constitution and the Political Parties Act, with its own members, elected officials and governance structures.

According to the statement, no individual political leader has the legal authority to direct another party to dissolve, merge or determine its future, arguing that such decisions can only be made by the lawful organs of the respective political parties in accordance with their constitutions and the law.

The leaders further cited Article 38 of the Constitution, saying it guarantees every Kenyan the freedom to make political choices, including the right to form, join and participate in a political party of their choice.

They argued that these constitutional rights cannot be overridden by the ambitions or preferences of any individual and insisted that Gachagua has neither the legal nor the moral authority to prescribe the future of other political parties.

While reaffirming their commitment to working together to provide Kenyans with an alternative leadership and challenge the current administration, the leaders emphasized that opposition unity must be founded on mutual respect, consultation and adherence to constitutional principles rather than unilateral declarations.

The statement underscores growing debate within the opposition over the best approach to coalition building ahead of the 2027 General Election, as parties continue consultations on possible alliances while insisting on maintaining their institutional independence.