Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has cautioned that Kenya’s growing Gen Z movement, which has energised the national conversation around accountability and unity, risks being derailed by tribal and kingpin-style politics.

Salasya, in a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, July 27, 2025, criticised leaders who continue to cling to ethnic-based political mobilisation, saying such approaches threaten the inclusive and progressive agenda being championed by the country’s youth.

Salasya praised the youth-led movement for pushing issues that cut across ethnicity, class, and region, noting that their calls for change align with his agenda and rejection of divisive politics.

“Gen Z’s momentum will be killed by tribal politics and kingpinship politics. This is a real Gen Z who wants better for her country. She is like Peter Salasya, whose agenda is about a united country,” Salasya said.

He took a swipe at President William Ruto’s administration, saying the country cannot afford seven more years under what he described as failed leadership.

“We can’t allow Ruto to rule us like this for another 7 years. We need change, and change is us, not Riggy kind of politics.”

Salasya has positioned himself as a voice of the youth and a champion of national unity, frequently calling for issue-based politics and generational change in leadership.

According to the youthful lawmaker, for real change to happen, the country must move beyond tribal allegiances and support a youth-driven vision focused on unity, opportunity, and accountability.

Salasya on Gachagua’s politics

This follows his recent remarks on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political style, 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.