Salasya Hits Out at Gov’t Over Alleged Plan to Control Campaigns

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration over proposed legislation aimed at regulating political campaigns

In a statement on Wednesday, June 11, Salasya expressed deep concern about the alleged plan, warning that such a move could signal the beginning of political repression in the country.

"I wish to categorically and unapologetically state my strong opposition to any legislative attempt by President William Ruto’s administration to regulate or control political campaigns in Kenya under the guise of law and order.

"Let me be clear: if this law passes, Kenya risks sliding into full-blown political repression similar to what we are witnessing in Uganda—where opposition voices are constantly under siege, democracy is a façade, and power is protected, not contested," he said.

Salasya went on to accuse the government of pursuing power consolidation through legal manipulation, rather than upholding democratic principles.

"This proposed law is not about fairness or electoral discipline—it is about consolidating power and intimidating any Kenyan with presidential ambition who is not in the current government’s political club.

"It is a calculated move to use state machinery to manage, monitor, and ultimately suppress future competitors. That is dangerous. That is unconstitutional. And as leaders who believe in a free and democratic Kenya, we must stop it at all costs," he continued.

Salasya noted that the right to campaign is enshrined in the Constitution and cannot be negotiated or restricted for political convenience.

"The Constitution of Kenya 2010 is very clear: every Kenyan has the right to campaign, to mobilize, and to seek leadership freely and fairly. That space was created through blood, resistance, and decades of civic struggle. We will not allow any law to reverse that legacy for the comfort of one regime or one man," he added.

In a message to Ruto and his allies, Salasya urged them to win the people's support through performance rather than intimidation.

"I want to tell President Ruto and his allies: you cannot win future elections by crippling the opposition. You win by performing, by delivering, and by respecting the rule of law. If you fear the people’s voice during campaigns, then you have no business being in leadership," he stated.

Salasya also rallied fellow legislators across the political divide to reject the proposed law, which he believes poses a grave threat to the country’s democratic foundation.

"I stand with all young leaders, emerging voices, and any Kenyan who aspires to serve this country—whether at the ward level or the presidency. I will reject this proposed law on the floor of the National Assembly, and I call on my fellow MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to rise above party loyalty and defend the soul of our democracy.

"If we allow this law to pass, we will have betrayed the future of this nation. We will have opened the door to dictatorship dressed in legal robes. I will not sit and watch as our country walks into political darkness. Kenya is not a dictatorship. We are a democracy. Let’s keep it that way," he concluded.