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Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has boldly declared his ambition to become the youngest president in East and Central Africa, insisting that he has already won the hearts of many Kenyans.
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Speaking on Saturday, June 7, 2025, during a series of homecoming rallies in Kakamega County, Salasya delivered an emotional address filled with prayer, calling on divine guidance to help him fulfill his presidential dream.
“Dear God, as the night falls, hear my prayer as a young leader determined to free our nation. Grant me wisdom and courage to lead with love. Bless our people with peace. Amen. Goodnight, my cousins,” he said to a crowd in Kakamega town.
He declared, “Since the colonial era, I will be the youngest person to become President in East and Central Africa—mark my words.”
Salasya also claimed that he has not spent any money to draw crowds during his nationwide campaigns, taking a swipe at politicians who rely on wealth to boost their popularity.
“You can buy helicopters, flashy T-shirts, and fancy merchandise—but you can’t buy genuine love from the people. The voice of the people is clear—just look,” he said.
Citing Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré as a role model, Salasya promised fresh, transformative ideas if elected. He criticized the age expectations in Kenyan politics, saying young people are often excluded from leadership despite having innovative visions.
“In Burkina Faso, a young president is driving major change and has earned international praise. But here in Kenya, you need to be nearly 50 to run for president—often without offering any fresh ideas,” he noted.
Salasya also hit out at President William Ruto over his recent apology to young people during the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast, arguing that real forgiveness must be tied to action—specifically job creation.
“President Ruto asked Gen Zs to forgive him. But how can they forgive when over four million young Kenyans are jobless?” he asked.
With youth projected to make up more than half of the electorate in 2027, political leaders are aggressively courting their support.
Salasya has been on a countrywide tour promoting his 2027 presidential bid and plans to conclude the campaign with a major rally in Western Kenya.
His tours, which have taken him to counties like Meru and Kwale, have sparked debate, with some questioning how he’s funding his campaign. The MP was recently arrested on hate speech charges during the tour but was later arraigned in court as authorities crack down on incitement.
Responding to public speculation on Instagram on May 31, 2025, Salasya denied receiving external funding. He said he finances his travels through his MP salary, joking that he has fewer expenses since he’s unmarried.
“For those wondering how I travel across Kenya like a village boy—I don’t have kids in international schools or a family to take on luxury vacations. I’m single, haha… so my money has fewer responsibilities,” he wrote.
Earlier, on May 10, he also dismissed rumors that he’s being used as a political pawn by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
