Salasya: Mocking my presidential bid shows you’ve already failed
By Mustafa Juma, July 26, 2025Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has fired back at those mocking his declared ambition to run for the presidency during the 2027 General Elections.
Taking to his official Instagram account on the night of Friday, July 25, 2025, Salasya said that young people who laugh at his dreams are already setting themselves up for failure.
The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) first-term lawmaker said many young people miss out on life-changing opportunities because they spend too much time pretending to live lives they cannot afford instead of being real and working hard towards their goals.
“Faking life denies many young people opportunities. When I declare that I want to be president, some start laughing at me,” Salasya stated.
“Let me tell you from today, if you are a young person and laughing at my ambition, you are a failure—because I know who I am.”
Salasya, who has often drawn both criticism and admiration for his unconventional style and bold statements, urged youth to believe in themselves and stop being held back by societal expectations or peer mockery.
Salasya’s journey
His remarks come a day after he opened up about his humble beginnings and the life experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership, emphasising his desire to serve the people with humility rather than seeking power for its own sake.
In a heartfelt personal reflection shared via his official Instagram account on the night of Thursday, July 24, 2025, Salasya described how a difficult childhood laid the foundation for his values and determination.
“Great leaders are moulded from childhood,” he stated.
“I was well moulded by going through harsh life, which taught me to use any opportunity given by God for His glory.”
Working in local jaggeries
Raised in poverty and orphaned at a young age, Salasya recalled working overnight shifts in local jaggeries (sugar factories) and struggling through school with little support. Despite these challenges, he pressed on with faith and determination.
His educational journey took him to Egerton University, where he found both purpose and service.
“I served Nakuru street children every weekend,” he shared, crediting those acts of compassion as early lessons in servant leadership.
Later, he was elected as a student leader—a position he initially took lightly but now sees as critical preparation for greater responsibilities.