Ruto Warns MP Salasya: “You overstep, I’ll straighten you out a bit so you stay in line”
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has expressed concerns over President William Ruto’s approach to involving stakeholders in major projects, especially in Mumias.
Speaking at the launch of sugarcane farmer bonuses in Mumias on January 20, Salasya questioned the source of the funds for the bonuses, wondering if they came from the Mumias Sugar Company or the national government. He pointed out that these funds were not mentioned in the national budget and claimed the company’s management had no clear answer.
Salasya’s Criticism of Ruto’s Leadership
Salasya accused President Ruto of excluding key stakeholders in important initiatives, such as education reforms, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and affordable housing. He suggested that Ruto should appoint him as an advisor, claiming the president’s inner circle was misleading him on national priorities.
“I know you care about the people, Mr. President, but your advisers are not being honest with you. They lie about SHA, affordable housing, and education reforms. They have imposed heavy deductions on Kenyans’ payslips, and that’s why people are upset with you,” Salasya stated.
Despite his criticisms, Salasya reaffirmed his support for Ruto in the upcoming elections.
President Ruto Responds to Salasya
President Ruto quickly responded, dismissing Salasya’s comments as self-serving and aimed at gaining popularity. He defended his government’s policies, stating that his focus is on long-term development, not seeking praise.
“I’m not after praise; I want to transform this country. The issue isn’t the plan but the lack of leadership to carry it out,” Ruto remarked.
He also accused Salasya of hypocrisy, noting that the MP was elected under the Azimio coalition, which also backed housing projects. Ruto criticized Salasya for opposing initiatives that aim to create jobs for youth, despite having a privileged position himself.
“Salasya, you have a job but oppose others getting employment. Let’s not mislead Kenyans. Sometimes you defend the people well, but other times you go too far—I’ll make sure you stay in line,” Ruto added.
Ruto’s Warning to Critics
The president also warned his critics, particularly those on social media, that he is prepared for a political showdown in the next election.
“All the noise online will stop. Those making noise have a lot of work ahead if they think they can compete with me. For now, I’m focused on delivering my mandate, but when the time comes, we’ll deal with them politically,” Ruto said.
He reassured Kenyans that his government is committed to long-term projects and would not be distracted by opposition claims.
Ruto Responds to Social Media Criticism
In a separate address at a past funeral, Ruto responded to the ridicule surrounding his leadership, particularly the nicknames “Kasongo” and “Zakayo.” These terms have been widely used on social media in response to the president’s administration, with criticism focusing on corruption, unmet campaign promises, controversial policies, and allegations of abductions.
“Kasongo,” inspired by a popular song, and “Zakayo,” a biblical reference, reflect the dissatisfaction many Kenyans have with the high taxes imposed by Ruto’s government.
Ruto Warns MP Salasya: “You overstep, I’ll straighten you out a bit so you stay in line”
