Salasya clashes with Wetang’ula over regular absenteeism from parliamentary sittings
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has hit back at National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula after being criticised for failing to attend parliamentary sittings regularly.
In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the lawmaker dismissed Wetang’ula’s concerns, insisting that his political vision and ambitions placed him in a different category from other legislators.
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He argued that, unlike his colleagues, he was focused on a much larger mission, positioning himself as a future presidential contender.
Salasya maintained that it was unfair for the Speaker to compare him with MPs who, in his view, lacked similar aspirations. He described himself as the most influential youth leader in the country and suggested that his ambitions justified the path he had taken in politics.
“Speaker Wetang’ula needs to understand Peter Salasya is a presidential aspirant and the most influential youth in this country, and so trying to compare me with other legislators who are not ambitious like me is wrong, Mr Speaker,” Salasya said.
The exchange began after Wetang’ula cautioned the youthful lawmaker over his inconsistent presence in the House. The Speaker emphasised that MPs who dedicate time to parliamentary sessions are given priority during debates and discussions.
He pointed out that many lawmakers dedicate their time to attending proceedings yet struggle to get speaking opportunities.
“For members like Hon Salasya, when we have a motion like this, the Speaker gives priority to members who are regularly here. If you are not regularly in the House, you are unlikely to get the favour of the Speaker to speak on topical issues like this. There are members here who attend regularly and do not get a chance to speak,” Wetang’ula said.
He urged Salasya to change his approach and commit more time to parliamentary business rather than focusing on his online engagements.
“So I encourage young Salasya, spend more time here, and you will catch the eye of the Speaker. But if you choose to execute parliamentary matters on TikTok, the House will deal with matters differently,” Wetang’ula added.
