Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has once again captured national attention after boldly declaring his ambition to become the youngest president in East and Central Africa. Speaking during a series of homecoming rallies in Kakamega County on June 7, 2025, the youthful legislator delivered a passionate, prayer-filled speech where he asked for divine guidance in his presidential quest.
“Dear God, as night settles, hear my prayer as a young leader striving to liberate our country, Kenya,” Salasya said during a rally in Kakamega town. “Since colonisation, I’m going to be the youngest President in East and Central Africa mark my words.”
Salasya’s remarks come amid a series of nationwide tours aimed at rallying youth and grassroots support for his 2027 presidential bid. He claimed he has not spent a single cent to mobilise crowds, stating, “You can buy choppers, expensive T-shirts, and toppers, but you can’t buy people’s love.”
The MP cited Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré who rose to power in his thirties as a source of inspiration, suggesting Kenya needs similarly youthful, transformative leadership. “In Kenya, you have to be almost in your 50s to run for the presidency without even having new ideas,” he argued.
Salasya also took aim at President William Ruto’s recent apology to Kenyan youth during the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast, saying forgiveness must be backed by action, especially in addressing youth unemployment. “How can he be forgiven when we have over four million youths without jobs?” he posed.
His growing popularity among Gen Z voters who are expected to make up the majority of the 2027 electorate has sparked both admiration and criticism. Some have questioned the source of funds behind his extensive campaigns, which have reached counties such as Meru and Kwale.
Addressing the concerns, Salasya insisted he funds his tours solely from his MP salary. “I have no children in international schools or a family to take on expensive vacations because I’m not married,” he said on Instagram.
Despite facing arrest and court charges over hate speech allegations, Salasya remains defiant, vowing to conclude his nationwide campaign with a grand rally in Western Kenya.
