Salasya's gambit to unite Luhya nation attracts praise and scorn

In the vibrant, often chaotic landscape of Kenyan politics, a new star is rising one that defies conventional moulds and traditional expectations

Peter Kalerwa Salasya, the youthful Member of Parliament for Mumias East, has transformed from a social media sensation known for his theatrical antics on TikTok into an active political mover raising eyebrows across the western region.

His recent surge — marked by massive rallies in Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia counties and a fervent appeal to the Gen Z demographic—has sent shockwaves through the region, particularly within the stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Salasya’s journey has been anything but conventional. Initially perceived by many as a political jester, his strategic use of social media, particularly TikTok, allowed him to cultivate a vast following.

This seemingly frivolous approach, however, masked a shrewd political mind. The turning point came after the recent Nyayo National Stadium incident, where he was reportedly roughed up by ODM supporters during a World Cup qualifying match between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Gabon.

Rather than deter him, this event ignited a fire within, propelling him to launch a campaign aimed at reclaiming the Luhya political space.

Last Friday’s gathering at his Mumias home, where he hosted more than 3,000 young people from across the Luhya-speaking counties, was a testament to his growing influence.

Amidst the feasting and dancing, Salasya delivered a message urging the youth to leverage their numerical strength into political power.

“Let’s not just remain spectators, but be respected when we also campaign for our like-minded candidate. Turn up to vote for our candidate, protect the vote, and form the government,” he declared, emphasising the need for a Gen Z-supported political party.

This rallying cry resonated deeply with the young audience, who see in Salasya a relatable figure — one who understands their aspirations and frustrations combined.

Salasya’s ambition extends beyond mere mobilisation. He envisions a Luhya political renaissance, where only parties led by Luhya leaders hold sway in the region, with the intention of phasing out Raila Odinga’s influence.

This includes his own Democratic Action Party (DAP), led by former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa; Ford-Kenya, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula; and the newly formed Democratic National Alliance (DNA), founded by Godfrey Kanoti and Barrack Muluka, both close allies of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

“We want to see the end of ODM in Luhya land. Western is no longer an extension of Nyanza for Raila Odinga to use as he wishes. That time is long gone!” Salasya said at the Friday meeting, signalling a clear departure from traditional political allegiances.

His subsequent meet-the-people tours across the Luhya counties further underscored his commitment. Holding dozens of rallies in Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Busia counties, and extending his reach to Trans-Nzoia over the weekend, Salasya has demonstrated an unparalleled level of grassroots mobilisation.

The sheer scale of these rallies has left both admirers and critics astounded.

Salasya’s initiative, while still in its nascent stages, has found a vocal ally in Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga.

Kalasinga, echoing the frustrations of many, acknowledges the cyclical nature of unity calls, often confined to the fleeting fervour of election seasons. “We have been talking about this issue for years and nothing comes out of it,” he observed.

He sees a glimmer of hope in Salasya’s “different approach” — a willingness to break from the established, often unproductive patterns of the past.

A crucial factor contributing to this potential shift is the emergence of the Western MPs Parliamentary Caucus, spearheaded by Sirisia MP John Waluke.

This unprecedented collaboration, transcending party lines, offers a platform for collective action and a potential foundation for the broader unity Salasya envisions.

Kalasinga believes this cross-party cooperation could be the catalyst that finally translates rhetoric into tangible progress.

However, not all voices are singing from the same hymn sheet. Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, known for his sharp tongue and political assertiveness, has dismissed Salasya’s efforts as mere “political theatrics.”

During a recent burial ceremony in Tongaren, Barasa drew a stark contrast between what he perceives as Salasya’s flamboyant style and the “politics of development” that he believes truly benefits the people.

This public rebuke underscores the deep-seated divisions and competing visions within the region’s political landscape.

Yet, amidst the scepticism, there are voices of encouragement. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi believes it is time for a fresh perspective to take the lead.

He acknowledges the repeated failures of past unity drives, attributing them to self-serving motivations rather than genuine commitment. “For many years, leaders from this region have only talked of Luhya unity when it benefits them, but they have never been serious about it,” Amisi argued.

He views Salasya’s initiative as a potential turning point — a chance to finally translate the long-held aspiration into reality.

The challenges facing Salasya are significant. The Luhya community, diverse and geographically dispersed, has historically struggled to forge a cohesive political identity.

Internal rivalries, competing political affiliations, and a history of unfulfilled promises have created a climate of cynicism and distrust.

Overcoming these obstacles will require not only political acumen but also a deep understanding of the community’s complex social fabric.