Ateker TV 
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya came together on Saturday, August 8, at the Twine Cietu Festival, in a public show of reconciliation just days after a public spat between the two politicians.
Speaking after the event, Gachagua struck a conciliatory tone, insisting that the Mt. Kenya region remains politically united and warning that no individual or faction would succeed in fracturing it ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He described the region as indivisible, cautioning that only what he termed “traitors” would attempt to sow discord among Mt. Kenya leaders and residents, and stressed that such efforts would ultimately fail.
“The Mountain is one. Nobody can get between us. Only Kasongo traitors can try to divide us. But it cannot work,” said Gachagua.
The Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader also spoke warmly about reconnecting with Munya at the festival, referring to him as a brother and expressing genuine delight at their encounter.
“It was my pleasure catching up with my brother Hon. Peter Munya,” Gachagua stated.
Background: A Public Rift Over Party Loyalty
The reunion comes just days after Munya publicly accused Gachagua of working to weaken rival political parties within the Mt. Kenya region while simultaneously building up his own outfit, the DCP.
Munya, joined by Justin Muturi and Lenny Kivuti, further claimed that Gachagua had been pressuring them to disband their respective parties and fold their membership into DCP.
In a joint statement at the time, the trio urged Gachagua to abandon what they described as divisive rhetoric, calling instead for structured dialogue and mutual respect among like-minded political parties in the region.
They emphasized that their earlier silence on the matter should not be interpreted as agreement with his approach.
“Our restraint should not be mistaken for acquiescence. We call upon Hon Gachagua to desist from divisive pronouncements and instead embrace structured dialogue, consultation and respectful engagement among all like-minded political parties,” Munya stated.
Gachagua Denies Pressuring Rivals to Dissolve Parties
Responding to the allegations, Gachagua rejected claims that he had ever asked any political ally to shut down their party in favor of joining DCP.
He noted that he was aware of the complaints raised by Muturi, Munya, and Kivuti, who he said felt DCP’s growing influence meant he no longer wanted other political parties to exist in the region. Gachagua dismissed this characterization as a misunderstanding of his position.
“I saw yesterday my brothers Justin Muturi, Peter Munya and Lenny Kivuti were complaining that DCP has become too strong and that Riggy G does not want other political parties. I think they are misguided,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua added, “We want many political parties in Mt Kenya so that everyone can compete. I have not told anyone to dissolve their party.”
What This Means for Mt. Kenya Politics Ahead of 2027
The Saturday meeting between Gachagua and Munya signals an attempt to de-escalate tensions within Mt. Kenya’s fragmented political landscape, where multiple parties and leaders are jockeying for influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Whether the goodwill on display at the Twine Cietu Festival translates into lasting political cooperation remains to be seen, as questions over party consolidation and leadership continue to simmer beneath the surface.
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