Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning the source of his wealth and his development record during his tenure as Mathira MP.

Taking to his official X account on the night of Saturday, January 31, 2025, Salasya accused Gachagua of targeting and blackmailing the Somali business community, which he said has made significant investments in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi.

“H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH, is another thief trying to blackmail the Somali business community. Somali community have invested in Nairobi and Tatu city over 5 Trillion,” Salasya said.

Source of wealth

The youthful Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) legislator further challenged Gachagua to publicly explain the source of his wealth, including ownership of hotels, and to account for his performance as Mathira MP between 2017 and 2022.

Salasya also accused Gachagua of using political influence to pressure Nyeri County over tenders, claiming that such conduct undermines ethical leadership and accountability.

“Kwanza Riggy atuambie hizo mahotel zake alitoa wapi. Kwanza atupatie his performance record as MP of Mathira from 2017 to 2022, and which national school did he build other than blackmailing Nyeri County for tenders?” Salasya posed.

Salasya went ahead to admit regret over previously defending Gachagua, saying he now believes the former deputy president lacks the moral authority to criticise other communities or business leaders.

“Kumbe nilikuwa natetea mtu ambaye ni bure kabisa,” he stated.

Salvaging his image

Salasya’s remarks come hours after he called out Gachagua over past remarks against the Somali community.

Salasaya had, in an earlier statement, accused Gachagua of trying to salvage his image by pulling tribal cards.

“Trying to salvage your image on your useless tribal card politics when you attacked children from Somali land not to school in Mangu Alliance Starehe etc wont help you, if you could be doing good politics hii stress hungepata boss,” Salasya said.

He went on to describe Gachagua as a hypocrite, explaining that during his two-year service as Deputy President, at no point did he show up at the State Department of Devolution to express challenges faced by the assailed communities.