Peter Munya has intensified criticism against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, exposing growing divisions within the Opposition as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, the Party of National Unity (PNU) leader accused Gachagua of using intimidation and disrespectful language against fellow politicians, warning that such conduct could weaken efforts to keep the Opposition united.
Munya claimed Gachagua had developed a habit of attacking leaders instead of engaging them respectfully. He pointed to remarks Gachagua made about Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, saying the language used against the governor was inappropriate and contributed to unnecessary political tension.
According to Munya, leaders should be careful with their words because they carry influence and can affect how supporters behave. He urged Gachagua to show more responsibility when addressing fellow politicians and members of the public.
The former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary also advised Gachagua to embrace humility, arguing that respect is essential when building political partnerships. He said political alliances cannot succeed if leaders feel ignored or looked down upon.
Munya further accused Gachagua of sidelining leaders from the Mt Kenya region, particularly those from Meru. He argued that Meru remains one of the region’s largest voting blocs and deserves equal recognition in Opposition politics instead of being treated as a junior partner.
He maintained that every community and political leader should have a voice in shaping the Opposition’s future and warned against leadership styles that appear to concentrate power in one individual.
While acknowledging that Gachagua remains an influential political figure in the Mt Kenya region, Munya rejected claims that he is the region’s undisputed political kingpin. He said there is no official position that gives one leader exclusive authority over the region’s politics.
Munya also questioned Gachagua’s suitability for the presidency, saying he would not support his bid for the country’s top seat. According to him, Gachagua’s leadership approach reflects authoritarian tendencies that many Kenyans no longer want to see in national leadership.
The latest criticism comes only days after Gachagua criticized PNU over its performance in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. The former Deputy President claimed the party managed only 28 votes because it failed to campaign effectively.
His remarks followed another controversy in which he called on smaller Opposition parties to dissolve and join his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). Although Gachagua later clarified that his comments had been misunderstood, the proposal was rejected by several leaders from the Mt Kenya region who insisted that every political party has the right to maintain its identity.
The disagreements have fueled speculation about the Opposition’s ability to remain united before the next General Election. While many leaders continue to push for cooperation against the Kenya Kwanza administration, differences over leadership, strategy and political influence are becoming more visible.
Munya’s remarks also come shortly after Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi criticized Gachagua, urging him to stop intimidating leaders into supporting his political agenda.
The latest exchanges suggest that despite public calls for unity, the Opposition still faces significant internal challenges that could shape its preparations for the 2027 polls.
