‘I wi*l vie for governor’ – Peter Salasya
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has declared that he will vie for governorship in 2027.
In a post on his social media accounts, Salasya declared his interest in the top county seat, without announcing whether he will vie in his home county of Kakamega or a different county.
"It's now official I will be vying for governor," Salasya stated.
The controversial MP has been in the limelight recently for assaulting Malaha-Isongo-Makunga Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Walunya Peter Walunya during a burial ceremony.
Despite the announcement, Salasya faces an integrity hurdle after the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) summoned him to be interviewed and record a statement on the matter on Tuesday.
The commission also said it had launched investigations into the matter and if found guilty appropriate action will be taken against the MP in accordance with the law.
"The commission has launched investigations into the matter with a view to taking appropriate action in line with our mandate under the law. To this end, you are required to appear at the Ethics and Atbi-Corruption Commission's offices at Integrity Centre, Nairobi on Tuesday 23rd January 2024, fpr an interview and statement recording," the letter addressed to the MP reads in parts.
EACC, in a letter to the first-time legislator seen by PD Digital, said Salasya's conduct constituted serious issues that would amount to a serious breach of integrity and ethical requirements governing the conduct of state officers.
"The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission is established under Section 3 of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2011 Pursuant to Article 79 of the Constitution with the mandate of combating and preventing corruption and unethical conduct in Kenya. Under Section 4 of the implementation of the Act, which seeks to ensure that State and Public Officers uphold high standards of integrity and ethical conduct while discharging public duty," EACC added.
Salasya faults Barasa, Khalwale
The MP recently faulted Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Governor Fernandes Barasa for allegedly fighting him for political gain.
In a statement recently, Salasya claimed the two politicians lack a good political following in the western county, yet he has a remarkable following.
"The reason people like Boni Khalwale and Fernandes Barasa are fighting me is because they don't have a following... if today I call a meeting of 20,000 people they will come. Them they can't (sic)," Salasya stated.
The first-term MP says his constituents are comfortable with his leadership, hence he will not be cowed by his naysayers.
"I will not accept any intimidation. Leadership comes from God as long as mtu wa chini ako satisfied with my leadership hawa wengine tutakimbizana nao tu," he added.
Cracks in ODM
So far, three politicians are eying the Kakamega top seat, including Khalwale, Barasa and now Salasya.
Barasa and Salasya are already in ODM, with Khalwale, a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, teaming up with former governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who is ODM's Deputy Party leader.
The alliance between Oparanya and Khalwale could complicate things for the incumbent and even develop cracks in ODM.
