Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has launched a blistering attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of actively weakening the opposition from within. In a strongly worded statement, Salasya pointed to Gachagua's actions during the recent by-elections as a source of unnecessary division and a setback to the coalition's momentum.

The allegations land at a critical time for the opposition, which is grappling with losses in key parliamentary races in Malava, Mbeere North, and Banisa. Salasya’s frustration centres on what he described as Gachagua's interference and manipulation during the mini-polls held on Thursday, November 27.

A Trail of Broken Promises

Salasya specifically called out Gachagua's conduct in the Malava constituency race. He claimed that after convincing one candidate to step down to consolidate the opposition vote, Gachagua failed to protect the votes for the unity candidate, Seth Panyako, and instead congratulated the winning UDA candidate.

"Wewe Rigathi Gachagua, you will separate the united opposition. I hate your selfishness," Salasya stated, directly blaming him for the loss. The MP warned that such behaviour threatens to stall the opposition's progress, adding, "with this spirit sioni opposition ikisonga, but we young people we shall give you directions very soon."

Wider Political Fallout

The public spat exposes growing fissures within the opposition, which has been trying to present a united front against President William Ruto's administration. Following the by-election losses, a wave of blame and internal criticism has swept through the coalition. Leaders from the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition have seized on the results, with Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot labelling the current opposition as “the most ineffective in Kenya's history.”

For ordinary Kenyans, this political infighting serves as a worrying distraction from pressing economic issues. The stability of the opposition is widely seen as crucial for holding the government accountable on policies affecting the high cost of living. Political analysts note that the recent by-elections were a significant test of Gachagua's influence since his impeachment and departure from government.

As the dust settles from the mini-polls, Salasya's outburst raises a crucial question: can the opposition resolve its internal conflicts to form a credible challenge in 2027, or will these divisions lead to its stagnation?