Biography of Hon. Peter Kelerwa Salasya

Peter Kelerwa Salasya was only known by the people of Mumias East before they turned this former hawker into a national figure when they voted for him in the last General Election.

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He was shy at first but once he got comfortable, he has not left the headlines; no longer about his grass-to-grace story but scandals, from threatening magistrates to slapping fellow politicians at funerals.

Mr Salasya is back on the lips of many following his attack on a Member of the County Assembly in Kakamega County.

Early Life and Education

Born in January 1989, Peter Kelerwa Salasya has grown to become a notable figure in Kenyan politics. He started his academic journey at Shanderema Primary School before progressing to Lubinu High School in Kakamega County in 2006. Unfortunately, while in Form Two, Salasya faced the tragic loss of his father.

Despite this setback, he remained steadfast and pursued higher education at Egerton University, where he studied for a Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on Banking and Finance. While at Egerton, Salasya ventured into campus politics during his first year. His initial attempt to secure a role as Director of Academics was unsuccessful. However, he remained persistent, contesting for the vice-chairman position in his third year.

Early Career

After graduating in 2014, Salasya returned to Kakamega County and secured his first job as a salesperson, helping a local business sell bicycles. This role demonstrated his resilience and determination. With the assistance of a friend, Salasya later found employment with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in Kakamega, working as an Operations Officer and Cashier.

During this period, he nurtured his growing ambition for leadership, laying the groundwork for his future political career.

Initial Political Foray and Challenges

In 2017, Salasya made his first foray into national politics by vying for the Mumias East Member of Parliament seat. Despite his best efforts, he finished last among the nine candidates, securing only 254 votes. He attributed this outcome to a lack of financial resources compared to his more established rivals.

Undeterred by the initial setback, Salasya volunteered as a tutor at the Sigalagala National Polytechnic after losing his banking job. Despite earning a modest salary of Ksh.13,000, he invested a portion of his income to garner local support.

Rising Political Influence

Salasya turned his attention to the declining Mumias Sugar miller, advocating for its receivership to prevent its collapse. This move earned him significant admiration among his constituents, laying the foundation for his eventual political success.

Electoral Success

As the 2022 election approached, Salasya had already become a beloved figure in Mumias East. However, he lacked the necessary resources to fund a competitive campaign. With assistance from Eugene Wamalwa, who provided Ksh.100,000, and the support of his constituents who even built him a mud house, Salasya was able to run under the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).

Without sufficient resources to hire agents, he relied on the unwavering support of his constituents to protect his votes. In the end, their efforts paid off, and Salasya won the election.

Noteworthy Accomplishments and Public Perception

Salasya has never shied away from sharing his unconventional path to becoming an MP, even when his journey is marked by controversy. Recently, at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, he made remarks that some interpreted as dismissive. However, Salasya stood firm, emphasizing that his primary responsibility is addressing the immediate concerns of Mumias East.

Throughout his career, he has garnered recognition for his leadership, receiving awards such as Best Student Leader and Best Cultural Student at Egerton University. His areas of interest span agriculture, business, and leadership, reflecting his holistic approach to representing his constituency.