The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Peter Kelerwa Salasya, once a relatively unknown figure confined to the Mumias East constituency, transformed into a national sensation after securing votes in the last General Election. Initially reserved, Salasya has since become a fixture in the headlines, not for his rags-to-riches tale, but for a series of scandals ranging from threatening magistrates to physically assaulting fellow politicians at funerals.
Salasya recently made waves for attacking a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) in Kakamega County, Peter Walunya Indimuli, during a burial event in Mumias. The assault, involving a forceful slap, led to a disruptive altercation with guns drawn and shots fired, prompting Salasya’s subsequent arrest. Released on a Ksh.50,000 cash bail, he awaits arraignment on Monday for assault charges.
In his defense, Salasya claimed that he slapped the MCA due to continuous taunting, asserting that he was sent by the area governor to make life difficult for him. This incident is just one among many involving the first-time MP, whose entry into national politics has been characterized by drama and controversies.
Peter Kelerwa Salasya, aged 35, garnered support from Mumias East constituents while working as a bicycle hawker in Kakamega. Despite coming last among nine candidates in his 2017 bid for MP, his vocal stance on Mumias Sugar Company’s challenges earned him community support. With limited resources and assistance from Eugene Wamalwa, Salasya contested the MP seat again in 2022, winning and thrusting himself into national politics.
Over the past year, Salasya has become a well-known figure, largely for controversial reasons. Whether flaunting expensive liquor on social media or engaging in altercations, he has been a constant presence in headlines. Known for his critical stance against Governor Fernandes Barasa, Salasya has been involved in public altercations, including a violent clash with the governor’s supporters.
Despite his dramatic persona, Salasya’s political achievements have not gone unnoticed. A November 2023 Infotrak research poll ranked him as one of the top-performing young leaders in Kenya, securing the fourth position with a 64% score. However, his political journey remains intertwined with a string of controversies, making him both a notable and infamous figure in Kenyan politics.
