Salasya hits back at Sifuna in fiery exchange
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has hit back at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following remarks made during a live television interview.
The exchange stems from Sifuna’s comments directed at Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda regarding the recently signed political agreement between the ODM and UDA parties.
During the interview, Ojienda had alluded that Sifuna is sabotaging the broad-based government despite being one of the signatories to the agreement.
Sifuna, who doubles as the Secretary General of ODM, firmly denied the claim and sought to clarify his position.
In the course of defending himself, he delivered what appeared to be a stray jab at Salasya, saying that while he could excuse Salasya for not reading the document, he could not extend the same forgiveness to Ojienda, given his seniority and experience in law.
‘’I can forgive Salasya for refusing to read this document and assuming that Sifuna signed it, but I can not forgive Professor Ojienda because, Professor, you are a lawyer,’’ Sifuna said.
That offhand remark did not sit well with Salasya, who took to social media to respond fiercely.
In a strongly-worded statement, the youthful MP reminded Sifuna that they both hail from Western Kenya and are equally educated—Sifuna with a degree in law, and himself with a degree in banking and finance.
“You are a senator, and I am a Member of Parliament. The only difference between us is that I am a self-made leader while you were given your seat by Raila Odinga,” Salasya stated.
He went further to assert his independence in politics, saying Sifuna cannot survive politically without ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
“So respect me—I am your presidential candidate,” he added, dismissing Sifuna’s legal argument by saying, “Take your English to court, not to politics.”
Salasya also pointed out that his personal assistant, Elvis Anguche, is a lawyer just like Sifuna, suggesting he, too is surrounded by legal minds.
Salasya’s Western Kenya tour
This heated exchange comes at a time when the Mumias East legislator is traversing the country to build his political profile.
He recently launched what he describes as a mission to unify his Western Kenya backyard, boldly declaring himself the region’s political kingpin, with him making tours in the four counties of Western Kenya, pleading with the young people to rally behind him
