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Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has stirred controversy after publicly offering to become President William Ruto’s personal advisor.

Speaking on Monday, January 20, 2025, during the commissioning of the first-ever bonus payments to sugarcane farmers in Mumias, Salasya called on the President to heed his request, claiming his current government officials were misleading him.

“Mr President, I want you to take me as your personal advisor and pay me because your people don’t tell you the truth,” Salasya said.

The MP challenged the president’s administration on several contentious issues, particularly focusing on the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the new university funding model, which has recently sparked public outcry.

“They’re telling you SHA is working when it is not working. The new university funding model is not working. I know you have the heart to help the country but there are cartels and traitors within your government,” he added.

The first-time lawmaker was speaking before a gathering that included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, and Senator Boni Khalwale.

During his candid address, Salasya also questioned the source of the newly launched farmers’ bonus payments.

“Where is the money we are giving these farmers coming from? We need to know where it has come from because it was not on our budget,” he asked.

Re-evaluate policies

The outspoken legislator further urged President Ruto to reconsider recent financial policies, specifically mentioning the newly proposed National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions.

He promised to support Ruto’s re-election bid if the president addressed these concerns.

“I want you to be elected for another term but I want you to look at the pay slips of Kenyans,” Salasya said amid cheers from the crowd.

The MP also advocated for greater stakeholder involvement in government decisions, suggesting that this could improve public service delivery on recent controversial government projects.

“If you want to be a successful leader in this nation, let us involve the stakeholders so that we ensure that each decision comes from them. If you involve stakeholders, even the Social Health Authority (SHA) will work,” he said.