Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has criticised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, dismissing his perceived presidential ambitions while taking aim at his lifestyle amid a viral debate over his rural home.
Speaking in a statement, Salasya declared his intention to run for president in 2032, positioning himself as part of a new wave of youthful leadership.
He argued that leadership credibility begins with personal progress and community impact.
“A visionary leader starts at home by improving their own life and uplifting their community,” Salasya said.
“If someone earns a good salary—about KSh 1.5 million as a Senator, KSh 1 million as Chief Whip, and KSh 1 million as Secretary-General of ODM for many years—yet cannot even build their own home, it raises serious questions about their leadership and vision.”
The remarks follow days of online debate over Sifuna’s village house, which has sparked mixed reactions across social media.
While some Kenyans defended the senator, saying leadership should not be judged by wealth or property, others questioned whether public officials should reflect visible development in their personal lives.
Salasya appeared to align with the latter view, linking financial management to leadership ability.
“Such a person cannot expect visionary people to believe in him,” he added. “It reminds one of someone who never attended any financial management course.”
At the same time, the MP outlined his long-term political ambitions, saying he is deliberately avoiding the 2027 presidential race to build momentum for 2032.
He maintained that the next election will remain dominated by established political figures.
“I believe 2032 belongs to youthful leadership. However, 2027 is likely to remain dominated by the politics of our senior leaders such as H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa,” Salasya said.
He added that young politicians risk being sidelined if they align themselves too closely with established power brokers ahead of the next election cycle.
“I am setting my own political pace for 2032,” he said. “Any young leader who allows themselves to be used merely as a political project in 2027 risks being forgotten in Kenyan politics.”
Salasya also confirmed he will back the opposition in the next election.
“For 2027, I stand with the United Opposition and will support our senior leaders. But my long-term vision is for a new generation of leadership to take over in 2032,” he said.