MP Salasya: While at university, I aspired to become a pastor
Peter Kalerwa Salasya, the Member of Parliament for Mumias East, affectionately known as PK Salasya, recently reflected on his aspirations while at university.
The humorous lawmaker revealed that one of his ideal ambitions was to become a preacher.
He made the revelation during a public lecture at Pwani University in Kilifi County, which was attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Mr Salasya, an alumnus of Egerton University, recounted an incident from his time at the university in 2011.
“When I joined Egerton University in 2011, the lecturer spent an hour talking to the first-year students about their ambitions. When it was my turn, I said I wanted to be a pastor or a leader. Everyone burst out laughing,” Salasya said to laughter.
Salasya, a first-time lawmaker elected in 2022 under the Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K), emphasised his determination to pursue his political ambitions despite initially considering a career in preaching.
“After university, I taught at a college, earning a meagre salary of Sh10,000 a month. Occasionally, when things went well, I could earn Sh13,000,” he said.
But his passion remained in politics.
“In 2022, I decided to give politics a try and I successfully contested for the position of MP,” Salasya said, encouraging Pwani University students to pursue their dreams and ambitions wholeheartedly.
The outspoken legislator has faced scrutiny for his public statements, especially when he disagrees with his opponents.
In 2023, he had a confrontation with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa at a funeral.
Salasya later admitted that the disagreement was over the governor’s neglect of health services in his constituency, Mumias East.
However, they reconciled after the governor agreed to improve health services in the area.
The lawmaker, is an active online user who has adopted taking his humour to the social media sites.
Apart from Mr Salasya, during the Pwani University Motivational Speaking event on Scaling the Leadership Ladder, Deputy President Gachagua was accompanied by other lawmakers, including Owen Baya (Kilifi North MP), John Methu (Nyandarua Senator), Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta MP), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira MP), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga Woman Representative), Kuria Kimani (Molo MP), Stanley Muthama (Lamu West MP), Joseph Githuku (Senator, Lamu County), Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen MP), Charles Kanyi (Former Starehe MP), and Cate Waruguru (Former Laikipia Woman Representative), among others.