Inside the Controversial World of PK Salasya, A Prolific Master of Theatrics?

Peter Salasya, elected as the Member of Parliament and representing the residents of the Mumias East constituency, saw this as a new political beginning. Considering he was elected while still young, it marked a unique victory for Mr. Salasya. Typically, it is quite challenging for young individuals to win significant political positions such as parliamentary seats in the country, as their campaigns often require substantial funding.

Nevertheless, the Member of Parliament has emerged as a controversial figure, stirring debates both within and outside the International Parliament. Ironically, despite being surrounded by various controversies, he has consistently been listed among the most hardworking lawmakers in the country.

On Friday, Mr. Salasya was arrested on charges of assaulting a ward representative in Kakamega County. However, he was later released on bail of Sh50,000, awaiting a court appearance on Tuesday.

In their statement, the police indicated the possibility of charging him with assault causing bodily harm, a violation of Section 251 of the Kenyan laws. The incident occurred during a funeral event in the Mumias area on Friday, January 12, 2023.

Last year, the legislator faced charges of threatening to kill a judge who had ordered him to pay a debt of Sh500,000 to a local businessman. Allegedly, Mr. Salasya had owed the debt for several years before the businessman decided to take legal action.

Judge Gladys Kiama of the Small Claims Court in Kakamega ordered Mr. Salasya to settle the Sh500,000 debt, inclusive of interest and court costs. The businessman had taken the politician to court after lending him the money on December 13, 2022, with an agreement for repayment after two months.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) condemned the legislator for making threats and initiated an investigation into the matter.

In November of the previous year, Mr. Salasya was attacked and ejected from a church service at the Catholic Church in Bukaya, Mumias West constituency, by angry youth. This incident occurred just two weeks after a lawyer in Kakamega County had sued him for alleged assault.

It is alleged that Mr. Salasya assaulted Lawyer Edwin Wawire for pursuing a case related to the non-payment of the Sh500,000 debt. The case is still pending in court.

Mr. Salasya has also stirred controversy by publicly announcing the criteria for a woman he would consider as a potential wife. He stated that she must be between 23 and 26 years old, but added a caveat: the woman should not check her phone!

In February 2023, he sparked another controversy by making sexist remarks about the Women’s Representative for Bomet County, Linet Chepkorir ‘Toto’, accusing her of disrespecting the leader of the Unity Alliance-One Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. However, he later had to apologize to the female legislator.