Salasya Calls Out ODM’s ‘Baseless’ Gachagua Attacks as 2027 Talks Begin
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to abandon what he described as a fixation on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning that the strategy risks alienating voters ahead of the next election cycle.
In a strongly worded statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, January 17, Salasya criticised ODM leaders for repeatedly targeting Gachagua rather than articulating what the party has delivered since joining President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
According to the outspoken MP, the political arrangement between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is now two years old, yet the opposition-turned-government partner has failed to clearly communicate tangible achievements to the Kenyan public.
“ODM must change their tactics from attacking H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH, and rebuild their party by telling Kenyans what they have achieved from the broad-based arrangement, which is now two years old,” Salasya wrote.
“Apart from impeaching Riggy, what else have they achieved?”
Salasya argued that continued attacks on Gachagua amount to recycling old political rivalries at a time when voters are increasingly focused on economic recovery, youth unemployment and service delivery.
TJ Kajwang singled out
The Mumias East MP went further to single out Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang, accusing him of repeatedly launching “baseless” attacks against the former deputy president.
“This one must first reach Ruaraka MP TJ. His consistency in baseless attacks on Riggy is boring,” Salasya added.
Gachagua, who was impeached amid political realignments that reshaped Kenya’s power structure, has remained a lightning rod in national politics, particularly among leaders aligned to the ruling coalition and its new partners.
ODM–UDA talks ahead of 2027
Salasya’s remarks come at a sensitive moment, as UDA and ODM have officially approved the start of structured negotiations aimed at strengthening their cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
UDA’s National Executive Committee recently resolved to establish formal mechanisms for engaging ODM, with the goal of negotiating a coalition agreement that could see the two parties campaign together.
The talks build on the broad-based pact signed in March 2025, which brought ODM into cooperation with President Ruto’s administration following Gen Z-led protests, mounting economic pressure, and political instability triggered by Gachagua’s impeachment.
At the time, President Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga signed a memorandum of understanding anchored on a 10-point agenda.
What the broad-based deal promised
The agreement outlined commitments on national inclusivity, strengthening devolution, auditing public debt, youth empowerment, constitutional adherence, equitable public appointments, and reparations for victims of protest-related violence.
The arrangement has since received backing from several leaders in the Western region, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who argue that continued cooperation is vital for sustaining development projects and consolidating support for President Ruto’s re-election bid.
However, Salasya’s intervention highlights growing internal pressure on ODM to justify its place in government — not through attacks on political rivals, but by presenting voters with a clear record of delivery.
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Salasya Calls Out ODM’s ‘Baseless’ Gachagua Attacks as 2027 Talks Begin