Salasya tells Gachagua to run for Mathira MP if he cannot decide between Gen Z and Mt Kenya politics
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has taken a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he termed as divisive and tribal politics, warning him to either focus on Mt Kenya politics or forget about vying for the presidency.
In a strongly worded video shared on his X account on Sunday, July 27, 2025, Salasya criticized Gachagua for what he described as attempts to reduce Kenya’s national discourse to tribal kingpin rivalries and regional supremacy.
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He noted that such outdated political narratives are out of touch with the aspirations of the country’s youth, particularly Gen Z, who are more focused on issue-based leadership and inclusivity.
“You cannot talk about Gen Z when you are talking about Mt Kenya politics,” Salasya said.
Adding;
“We have Gen Zs in Kakamega, Kisumu, and Mombasa. Where are you placing them? You are bringing in kingpin politics, talking about Natembeya and Eugene. But what about leaders from Mombasa and Nyanza?”
The MP took issue with Gachagua’s frequent references to Mt Kenya and the region’s political figures while seemingly ignoring other leaders from counties like Mombasa, Kisumu, and Kakamega. Salasya argued that Gen Z is a national demographic that cuts across all regions, and not one that can be boxed into ethnic enclaves.
He emphasized that Gachagua must make a choice between continuing with tribal-oriented politics within Mt Kenya or embracing a national outlook that reflects the diversity and aspirations of all Kenyans.
Otherwise, he said, Gachagua should consider seeking a parliamentary seat in his home constituency of Mathira and forget about any presidential ambitions.
“Stop these tribal politics. You have one choice: either Mt Kenya politics or Kenyan Gen Z. Ama enda itishe MP Mathira constituency,” Salasya stated.
This comes days after he again lectured the former DP over comments made during his recent U.S. tour, accusing him of promoting tribalism and misleading the Kenyan diaspora.
Gachagua had urged the Mt Kenya diaspora to stop sending money back home until his political faction returns to power a statement that sparked national backlash. He claimed only the Kikuyu community was suffering under President William Ruto’s leadership.
In a strongly worded post on X on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Salasya condemned Gachagua’s remarks, saying economic hardship affects all Kenyans, not just Mt Kenya.
“Even in Mumias and Kakamega, people from all communities Kikuyus, Luos, Luhyas, Kambas are struggling under Presidnet Ruto’s economy,” he wrote.
Salasya accused Gachagua of exaggerating his community’s plight for sympathy, reminding him that all businesses, regardless of ownership, rely on a broad customer base. He emphasized that the push to oust Ruto will be a united Kenyan effort, not a tribal one.
Gachagua, speaking in Boston, had claimed the Mt Kenya community is the backbone of the economy and warned of economic collapse due to waning business confidence. He blamed Ruto for declaring war on the mountain,ur ging diaspora members to withhold remittances in protest.
