Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya has dismissed the possibility of supporting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in a future presidential race, arguing that his leadership style is incompatible with the country’s democratic aspirations.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, August 5, Munya said Gachagua has displayed authoritarian tendencies similar to those many Kenyans have criticized in the current administration, making him unsuitable for the presidency.
Munya maintained that his position was not based on personal differences, emphasizing that he respects Gachagua and acknowledges his role in highlighting shortcomings within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya. Photo: Courtesy.
However, he argued that Gachagua’s habit of issuing threats and confronting political leaders would make it difficult to build and sustain alliances within the opposition.
He also described Gachagua as a political bully, pointing to his past remarks about Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and linking the rhetoric to the hostile reception the governor later faced during a visit to Ol Kalou.
Munya urged the former deputy president to adopt a more respectful and courteous approach when engaging with fellow leaders and the public, saying such a change would enhance his leadership and political relationships.
On the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, Munya explained that PNU had initially advised its candidate, Edwin Kariri, against contesting because the party believed he had little chance of winning.
According to Munya, Kariri insisted on running because he wanted to gain first-hand experience in electoral politics.
Munya said the party eventually allowed him to contest after considering his request, although it later attempted to convince him to withdraw from the race.
He added that he did not personally campaign for Kariri during the by-election.
