In the shifting sands of Mt Kenya politics, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has drawn a line in the sand. Amidst a wave of defections rocking the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), the youthful legislator has come out fighting, dismissing reports that he is planning to abandon party leader Rigathi Gachagua as "cheap state propaganda."

Mukunji, the last man standing for the DCP in Mt Kenya East, has become a target. With heavyweights like Gathoni Wamuchomba and George Koimburi reportedly jumping ship, the pressure on Mukunji to fold has been immense. But in a fiery address, he accused political brokers—specifically pointing a finger at former CS Moses Kuria—of trying to buy his loyalty. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-3)"I do not have a price tag," Mukunji declared. "My voice belongs to the *mwananchi*, not the highest bidder."

The Battle for the Mountain's Soul

The intrigue around Mukunji highlights the fierce succession war currently tearing the region apart.

• The "DCP Haemorrhage": The reported exits of key allies suggest a coordinated effort by the ruling coalition to isolate Gachagua and dismantle his political vehicle ahead of 2027.
• The Gen Z Factor: Mukunji represents a younger, more radical generation of leaders who are less swayed by tribal kingpins and more focused on issues. His refusal to budge is a signal that the "checkbook politics" of old may be losing its potency.
• Loyalty vs. Survival: By sticking with Gachagua, Mukunji is taking a massive gamble. If the DCP sinks, he goes down with it. If it survives, he emerges as a principled general.

"Mwananchi Ndio Sauti"

His slogan, "The Citizen is the Voice," is a direct challenge to the boardroom deals happening in Nairobi. Mukunji is betting that the voters on the ground are tired of turncoats. "Let them buy the leaders," he seemed to say. "I will stay with the people."

As the political temperature rises, all eyes are on Manyatta. Will Mukunji hold the line, or will the pressure eventually crack the DCP's last fortress in the East?