Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 presidential race, surprising many and injecting fresh energy into Kenya’s political conversations. His ambition to vie for the top seat signals a desire for generational change, new economic thinking, and a challenge to the old political order.
Speaking confidently about his ambitions, Salasya made it clear:
“I will be on the presidential ballot in 2027. Kenyans deserve new leadership, fresh ideas, and not recycled politics.”
He added that his presidential run would be especially certain if veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga decides to contest.
“If Baba will be there, then I will also be there to make sure he doesn’t get votes in Western. We cannot keep voting the same way every five years and expect different results.”
Salasya’s statement signals not just youthful ambition but a calculated move to disrupt political loyalties that have defined Kenya’s voting patterns for decades.
Salasya’s campaign is heavily anchored on economic transformation. Speaking to supporters, he stressed,
“We cannot keep exporting human capital and then brag that Kenyans are working in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We must have industries here, use our iron ore, and export steel to the world.”
He criticizes the current government’s economic management and envisions a Kenya where manufacturing thrives, creating jobs and boosting self-reliance.
The youthful MP has not hesitated to confront President William Ruto’s administration either. Recently, he said:
“I am ready to face President Ruto on the ballot and send him back to Sugoi. Leadership is not about speeches, it’s about service delivery.”
He voiced concern about the government’s move to lift vetting processes for ID registration in some parts of the country, warning:
“Security is paramount. We cannot compromise the safety of Kenyans because of political expediency.”
Salasya is also pushing for bold constitutional reforms. He envisions a Kenya where the President plays a ceremonial role, while executive powers are handled by a Prime Minister elected by Parliament:
“We need a government structure like the United Kingdom’s. Let the Prime Minister run the government so that leadership is about competence, not tribal kingpins.”
His proposed model seeks to dilute the toxic tribal politics that often flare up during presidential elections.
As a key member of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), Salasya is on a mission to grow the party’s presence, especially in his Western Kenya backyard.
“In 2027, DAP-K will not just be another party; it will be the party. We must give Kenyans an alternative to UDA, ODM, and others.”
He wants DAP-K to field candidates for all key seats, including the presidency, signaling a serious effort to challenge the traditional big players.
Peter Salasya’s boldness is undeniable. With his candid talk, relatable background, and fearless stance against Kenya’s political heavyweights, he represents a new chapter that some Kenyans, especially the youth, are hungry for.
“We are not joking. We are the future. And the future is now.”
Whether he succeeds or not, his entry into the race is a refreshing shake-up of Kenyan politics — and many will be watching closely.
