In recent times, Salasya has publicly accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of orchestrating a plot to remove former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. These allegations have further strained his relationships with influential leaders in the Western region, politically isolating him
Peter Salasya, the youthful and controversial Member of Parliament for Mumias East, has become a household name in Kenya’s political discourse. At just 32 years old, Salasya’s audacious confrontations with key political figures, including President William Ruto, have left many wondering whether he is driven by a purposeful agenda or merely seeking to amplify his public profile.
Elected on the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) platform, Salasya’s fiery remarks have positioned him as a polarizing figure. Though in his first term, he has not shied away from addressing politically sensitive topics, often with unrelenting fervour.
A Troubled Alliance with Raila Odinga
Salasya’s political journey began with strong ties to the Azimio Coalition and ODM leader Raila Odinga. However, he has since distanced himself, becoming a vocal critic of both Odinga and the ODM party. Among his most contentious claims is the accusation that Raila Odinga sought to abolish the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). These remarks drew sharp rebukes from Raila’s allies, who have vowed to block Salasya’s re-election in 2027.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has also weighed in, cautioning Salasya against making Raila a target for political gain. Atwoli reminded the young MP of the political demise faced by others who adopted a similar strategy, urging Salasya to focus on constructive leadership rather than divisive rhetoric.
Regional Tensions and Political Fallout
Salasya’s outspoken nature has not been limited to national figures. He has frequently clashed with Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa and Deputy Governor Ayub Savula over the region’s struggling sugar industry, accusing them of failing to deliver tangible results. In response, Barasa has launched a campaign against Salasya’s re-election, urging Mumias East constituents to rectify what he describes as a “mistake” in electing him as their MP.
Additionally, Salasya has publicly accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula of orchestrating a plot to remove former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. These allegations have further strained his relationships with influential leaders in the region, isolating him politically.
A Rocky Path to Political Prominence
Despite his current prominence, Salasya’s political journey has been anything but smooth. In 2017, he contested the Mumias East parliamentary seat, finishing last among nine candidates with a mere 254 votes. His remarkable comeback in 2022 captured the imagination of his supporters, but his combative style has raised questions about his political longevity.
While Salasya asserts that his constituents remain firmly behind him, analysts warn that political tides could shift before 2027. Emerging coalitions and new alliances may render his abrasive approach untenable, leaving him vulnerable in a changing political landscape.
Peter Salasya’s future in politics remains uncertain. Is he a daring reformer unafraid of challenging the status quo, or is he risking alienating the very support that brought him to power? As he continues to confront powerful political figures, Salasya may need to recalibrate his approach to navigate the treacherous waters of Kenyan politics.
For now, Salasya’s outbursts have ensured one thing: he is a politician everyone is watching. Whether this attention translates to political success or an early exit from the scene remains to be seen.
