Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has launched a scathing attack on the former deputy president, accusing him of perpetuating tribal politics and distracting the country from its pressing socio-economic challenges.

In a strongly worded statement posted on X on July 27, 2025, the legislator expressed concern over the former deputy’s political rhetoric and recent public pronouncements, which he claimed were regressive and risked dividing the nation.

“H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, get this from me: the language that Ruto understands is this politics of tribal. We want one Kenya that is tired of Ruto’s leadership that has failed Kenyans and killed many hopes of young, growing people,” the MP wrote.

He warned that relying on alliances with opposition figures would not salvage the former DP’s political future. “Kalonzo won’t help, Eugene Wamalwa won’t help, Matiang’i won’t help, and Natembeya won’t help you—but we, Kenyans, will,” he added.

The remarks come amid renewed debate over the role of tribal alliances in shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election. The former Deputy President, who was impeached in October 2024, has been pushing a message centred around regional representation, especially within the Mount Kenya region.

Criticism of Gachagua’s past

The MP also took issue with the former deputy’s past alliance with President William Ruto, recalling his earlier stance against protests organised by the opposition in 2023 to challenge the rising cost of living.

“Remember, you were with this Ruto, and you were fighting us in the streets when we were demonstrating against the cost of living,” the MP said, referencing anti-government demonstrations that drew widespread support from youth and civil society groups at the time.

He accused the former deputy of sabotaging efforts toward reform and progress, stating, “You are killing the momentum of change. Stop this nonsense and focus.”

Inclusive Politics

Warning against a politics of exclusion, the MP cautioned the former deputy against counting himself as a viable presidential candidate if his campaign is rooted in ethnic loyalty and resentment.

“Don’t count yourself as a viable candidate because we don’t want a president of revenge and hatred. Instead, Kenya wants to move forward,” he said.

He concluded by saying that if the divisive approach continues, he would not join forces with any such movement—even if labelled as the opposition—and confidently declared he would defeat him at the ballot.

The remarks have sparked debate online, with many interpreting them as a broader reflection of frustration with tribal-based politics and a rising demand for inclusive, issue-based leadership across the country.