Gachagua meets Salasya amid his ongoing criticism of Sifuna
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 7, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has held a meeting with Mumias East MP Peter Salasya at his Wamunyoro command centre amid the lawmaker’s continued criticism of the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said he was delighted to receive Salasya at his Wamunyoro residence, describing him as a steadfast young legislator with a bright future.
“I was very delighted to receive my good friend, Hon. Peter Salasya, MP for Mumias East Constituency, who called on me today at Wamunyoro Residence. Hon. Salasya, a young legislator, is a steadfast leader with a bright future,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua said there was a need to deliberately mentor young leaders who are principled and have a vision for Kenya so they can be prepared for national leadership.
He further praised Salasya’s wisdom and powerful messaging, saying the young MP communicates with great humour and wit. According to Gachagua, Salasya had made his day, leaving him filled with joy and greatly enlightened.
Western Kenya united opposition rally
The meeting comes days after the historic United Opposition rally in the Western region, where the MP hosted the opposition leaders at his Kisumu Ndogo home. He later took the leaders to his family home, where they greeted his mother.
During the visit, the former deputy president praised the lawmaker, telling Salasya’s mother that the MP had been bribed to vote in favour of his impeachment during the 2024 impeachment proceedings but had refused.
While addressing the public rally, Gachagua announced that he had chosen to mentor the young legislator and urged Mumias East constituents to safeguard his parliamentary seat as he prepares him for national leadership. He said he would walk with Salasya from county to county as part of the mentorship programme because, according to him, the MP is destined for national politics and is above county politics.
Salasya has also been vocal in defending the former deputy president against attacks on social media, saying the country is fully behind the DCP leader and other United Opposition principals.
Salasya fights Sifuna
For the past few days, the parliamentarian has also directed his criticism at the Linda Mwananchi movement and its team leader, throwing cold water on the initiative by saying it is not bound to go far because, according to him, Kenyans are behind the United Opposition.
He further urged the group to join the United Opposition, saying it would not succeed if it attempted to go it alone in the 2027 general election.
Salasya also downplayed signals by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya that he could ditch the United Opposition and join the Linda Mwananchi movement. He noted that the group has also hinted at forming a political party to champion the interests of the Western Kenya region, arguing that the move is aimed at countering DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.