Mt. Kenya women back Muturi, oppose DCP merger Push

The gathering was convened in response to growing political pressure urging regional parties to dissolve and consolidate into the Democratic Congress Party (DCP). 

The women firmly rejected the proposed merger, framing it as an attempt to stifle political diversity and roll back democratic gains in the region.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi, the group emphasised that democracy thrives on choice and healthy competition, warning against the risks of returning to a monolithic political landscape.

"Sisi watu wa Mt. Kenya tumesema tunataka chama nyingi. Kama mtu ako Jubilee akae Jubilee. Tunataka chama mingi. Kama Western kuna Natembeya, kuna Linda Mwananchi lakini wako kwa Chama nyingi. Hata sisi kwa mlima tunataka ikuwe ivo ivo... " Women grassroots leader Hilda Gaira said. 

The women leaders and aspiring politicians underscored that the freedom to associate through various political vehicles is a constitutional right that ensures local interests are adequately represented at both national and grassroots levels. 

They argued that forced party unity often serves the interests of political elites rather than the electorate, particularly marginalised groups, including women and youth.

Margaret Ndegwa, one of the key representatives, said: "Having one party will breed corruption. Only the rich will benefit from party tickets, and those with no money will be sidelined. Collapsing our regional parties into a single entity like the DCP undermines multiparty democracy and weakens our bargaining power." 

She added: "Gachagua alienda arusi na gari ya wenyewe, ndio maana alifukuzwa. Sasa amechangamka akapata gari yake, DCP. We want multipartyism. Our democracy must reflect the diverse voices and interests of our people."

Advocating strongly for political multipartyism, the women called on residents across the Mt. Kenya region and the diaspora in Nairobi to reject any moves to dismantle democratic structures under the guise of consolidation. They urged political figures to respect ideological differences and foster an environment where multiple parties can compete fairly.

The conference marks a notable escalation in the ongoing debate surrounding party dynamics and political alignment in Mt. Kenya, with the group signaling plans to hold further grassroots engagements across Nairobi’s constituencies to champion political pluralism.