Mumias East Member of Parliament( MP) Peter Salasya has yet again opened up about his humble beginnings but this time around as a politician.
In an encouraging post on his Instagram account on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Salasya reflected on his first attempt at vying for a national political seat in the 2017 general elections.
The youthful parliamentarian went on to narrate how he tried his luck vying for Mumias East MP position as an independent candidate and gained 254 votes.
He added that his election results demoralized him adding that he wished he could have defeated even one of his competitors.
“In 2017 I tried my luck on independent and my symbol was maragwe yani maragwe pia ni mboga na kapata 254 votes nilijidharau sana ata afadhali ningelishinda ata mtu mmoja.Sometimes we fear to fail and learn from mistakes,” Salasya said.
While reflecting on his political journey, Salasya encouraged his followers to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges they faced adding that the mistakes he learned from the 2017 elections made him secure his current position.
Second attempt
His second attempt vying for the same seat wasn’t a walk in the park, the MP narrated how he faced harsh criticism from opponents who mocked his living situation during his 2022 political campaigns.
Apart from mocking his living conditions, the youthful parliamentarian added that his opponents also insulted and called him a “madman” destined for a mental hospital.
“I am doing this to shame my opponents who insulted me during campaigns that I live like a bird that stays in a ditch. And to write a history that no one is limited ni kujituma na kuweka God mbele for His counsel, and also after getting it, I have never wronged Him by not serving the people He gave me to lead. Blessed Sunday,” Salasya wrote on Instagram.
“Mukiniona all the time am happy because of how this journey to MP was crazy this was 2021 April, no wonder my opponents used to call me a madman awaiting Mathare hospital.”
He went on to say that apart from the insults and mockery he received from his opponents, he disclosed that he also faced financial challenges narrating how he once travelled from Kakamega to Nairobi with only Ksh600.
Despite the challenges, Salasya said he remained determined, attributing his success to faith and hard work. He emphasized that putting God first and maintaining a strong work ethic were key to overcoming life’s difficulties.
“I will never stress myself with life as long as you put God first and work hard towards it,” he said.
Political Fame
The lawmaker gained political fame after winning a parliamentary seat under the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K),
Salasya encouraged Kenyans to remain hopeful and persistent, reminding them that anything is possible with determination and faith. He urged them to believe in God, work hard, and make sacrifices, assuring them that their efforts could lead to significant improvements in their lives, just as his career has transformed his circumstances.
“Anything is possible just keep trying and being hopeful. You are going to change your home through your career or business you are chasing today. God is faithful just believe him in your heart and work hard and sacrifice what we call foregone cost opportunities in business studies,” he added.
