Salasya accuses Linda Mwananchi leaders of betraying Gen Z before reinventing themselves
By Mustafa Juma, July 28, 2026Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has launched a fresh attack on the Linda Mwananchi movement, accusing its leaders of abandoning the Gen Z-led push for accountability before attempting to reinvent themselves as champions of ordinary Kenyans.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Salasya questioned the credibility of the opposition outfit, arguing that some of its principals had previously backed the broad-based government arrangement and dismissed calls by young Kenyans for better governance.
“So we’re supposed to forget everything just because the script has changed?” Salasya posed.
“The same people who dismissed the Gen Z push for better governance, cheered on the broad-based arrangement, and helped create today’s political confusion now want to rebrand themselves as champions of wananchi. That’s quite a transformation.”
The outspoken legislator said he remained unconvinced by the movement’s messaging, insisting that it should formally join the broader opposition instead of operating independently.
“As for me, I won’t be buying it. Linda Mwananchi can keep the slogans. I’ll only take it seriously when they stop the political gymnastics and join the United Opposition. Until then, it’s hard to tell whether this is leadership or just another rebranding exercise,” he said.
Renewed criticism
Salasya’s remarks are the latest in a series of public criticisms he has directed at the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has in recent months intensified grassroots mobilisation across the country.
Earlier, the MP urged the movement to abandon what he termed ‘parallel opposition politics’ and instead unite with other anti-government leaders under a single political front capable of challenging President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
His latest comments come just days after Linda Mwananchi leaders toured Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties, where they held rallies led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo and other allies.
The movement has maintained that it is building a people-centred political alternative focused on governance reforms, accountability and issue-based leadership ahead of the next General Election.
Gen Z legacy remains political battleground
The Gen Z protests of 2024 continue to shape Kenya’s political discourse, with opposition leaders increasingly invoking the movement’s demands for accountability, transparency and economic reforms.
However, disagreements have emerged within opposition ranks over who legitimately represents those aspirations.
Salasya argued that political leaders who previously supported the broad-based government should first account for their earlier positions before seeking to rally Kenyans under new political banners.
His comments are likely to reignite debate over the fragmentation of the opposition, even as calls grow for a united front against President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.