Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has sharply rebuked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, dismissing his recent criticism of Northern Kenya as politically motivated and lacking understanding of the region’s unique challenges.
Gachagua, on social media, had highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Mandera County and other arid areas, noting that even camels—renowned for surviving harsh environments—were dying from hunger and thirst.
He called on the government to declare the ongoing drought a national disaster and urged international partners to provide urgent aid.
Responding, Salasya accused Gachagua of “playing tribal card politics” and trying to “salvage his image” at the expense of Northern communities.
“Trying to score political points by attacking children from Somali land who struggle to access schools in Mangu, Alliance, Starehe, and other areas will not help,” Salasya said. “If you were serious about the welfare of these communities, this stress hungepata, boss.”
The MP also questioned Gachagua’s record during his tenure as head of the State Department of Devolution.
“For two years, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH, oversaw the State Department of Devolution, reporting to my parliamentary committee on regional development, which handles special programmes in hardship areas,” Salasya said.
“Yet not once did he appear before our committee to discuss the real challenges faced by residents of arid and semi-arid counties.”
Salasya emphasized the scale and complexity of Northern Kenya’s governance challenges.
“One constituency here is equivalent to three times the entire Central Province,” he said. “Leadership is not just about statements on social media; it requires presence, engagement, and understanding of local realities.”
He further warned against continual attacks on Somali-majority communities.
“You cannot continue to issue sweeping judgments without knowing the ground realities. Meaningful engagement and solutions come from listening, not empty criticism,” Salasya said.
The MP also questioned Gachagua’s intentions, arguing that his statements were politically driven.
“These remarks appear more about posturing than genuine concern for vulnerable populations. Leadership demands accountability and action, not headlines,” he added.