Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has condemned President William Ruto for hosting the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party aspirants’ meeting at State House, Nairobi, describing the move as a blatant misuse of a national institution.
In a statement, Salasya argued that State House is not a personal residence nor a partisan political asset, but a constitutional institution held in trust for all Kenyans.
“It is financed by public funds, protected by national security, and symbolically reserved for the service and unity of all Kenyans,” he said.
Salasya criticized the President for routinely converting State House into what he called a “UDA political theatre” featuring party colours, partisan gatherings, and choreographed propaganda.
He said such actions constitute a gross abuse of office, violate the doctrine of public trust, and compromise the neutrality expected of the Presidency.
“The President does not own State House. He merely occupies it temporarily, under the authority of the Constitution, and with a duty to exercise power in a manner that is lawful, impartial, and dignified,” Salasya emphasized.
He further drew parallels between this alleged institutional capture and the state of the economy, noting that citizens are being overtaxed, livelihoods crushed, and public suffering treated as collateral damage.
“Kenya cannot be run like a private company, a campaign project, or a family enterprise,” he said.
Salasya’s remarks went further to highlight the symbolic disrespect he believes the UDA gathering represents.
“It is so unholy, unjust, and unfair for someone with many personal homes, including party headquarters, to turn a sacred symbol of national unity into a theatre of partisan politics,” he said.
Salasya referenced the prominent yellow colours associated with UDA, likening them to a theatre of “bad omen.”
The MP’s comments reflect growing criticism from opposition and civic leaders regarding the use of public institutions for partisan purposes.
Salasya’s stance adds to broader national debates on the proper separation between the state and political party interests, as calls for adherence to constitutional principles and protection of public trust intensify ahead of Kenya’s next election cycle.