Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has reconnected with Jimmy, a shop owner who supported him during his humble beginnings in Nakuru a decade ago.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Salasya shared a heartwarming video of the reunion in the shop where he used he buy most items on credit 10 years ago.
The MP revealed that Jimmy used to sell him essential items, such as soap and tea leaves, on credit when he was struggling financially. Salasya noted the spirited political debates they used to have, with Jimmy supporting former President Uhuru Kenyatta while he rooted for his political idol, Raila Odinga.
“Just met Jimmy wa shop after 10 good years mwenye nilikuwa nakopa sabuni ya 15bob na majani kwake in Nakuru. He has reminded me how we used to argue with him when he used to support Uhuru na mimi Raila who was my idol politically then. Life is a journey never give up even at your lowest moment but hope should never die in you,” Salasya shared.
Salasya’s poor background
Salasya has never shied away from sharing his story of rising from abject poverty to fame and success.
He has consistently assured his followers and constituents that wealth and fame have not changed his character.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, November 23, 2024, Salasya reiterated his commitment to staying grounded. He shared a video of himself interacting with construction workers in his constituency, expressing his joy at reconnecting with his roots.
“Just landed in Mumias at home, and vijana are happy for me. Aki mimi pesa haijanibadilisha. I am still the same Petero they knew before. Content ya ku make them happy ndio imechange…youths are happy,” he wrote.
On August 10, 2024, Salasya shared an emotional post about his family’s modest home, which housed his mother and twin siblings just two years before his political breakthrough. The house lacked windows and adequate ventilation, and he often slept on the floor as he didn’t own a bed.
The MP accompanied the post with a photo of a double-cabin pickup truck provided by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa for his campaign, with the humble family home in the background.
Salasya explained that while his mother and siblings lived in the visible structure, his dwelling was a smaller, windowless house further away.
“Hapa ndio ilikuwa nyumbani and our house two years ago. That house is ours, belonging to my mother and my twin brother and sister wenye wananifuata,” he shared.
The lawmaker encouraged his followers to remain hopeful and work hard, regardless of their current 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 said.
