Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has responded strongly to remarks by Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, who had ridiculed his plans to run for president in the upcoming elections. Salasya emphasized that running for the presidency is his constitutional right.
The MP clarified that his recent trip to Kericho wasn’t meant to challenge anyone politically but was simply part of his groundwork for the 2027 presidential campaign.
Governor Mutai had publicly dismissed Salasya’s ambitions during a meeting with Kericho residents, saying he himself would be a more suitable presidential candidate. In a video, Mutai sarcastically questioned Salasya’s suitability for the top job and referred to him as “a mad person.”
Salasya, who visited Kericho on May 30 as part of his national tour to build support, later expressed appreciation for the hospitality he received. He particularly praised the youth of Kericho for their overwhelming support and warm reception.
“I was not there to attack you politically. The love I received from the youth in Kericho surprised me,” Salasya said in a June 5 statement.
Responding to Governor Mutai’s criticism, Salasya defended his track record, particularly in using the Constituency Development Fund in Mumias East, asserting that his achievements could not be compared with those of the Kericho governor.
Salasya also addressed being labeled as someone influenced by drugs, saying such insults were unwarranted.
Meanwhile, Mutai reiterated that Kericho is a peaceful county where all visitors are welcome to express themselves. He urged against trading insults and maintained that the county’s residents are focused and aware of their political direction.
Salasya had publicly announced his intention to run for president on April 28, joining a growing list of aspirants for the 2027 general elections.
