Salasya details how political parties interfere with Parliament’s independence
By Cynthia Lodite, January 27, 2026Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has come out expressing fears of Parliament’s independence while explaining how political parties are playing a major role in crippling the institution.
Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Salasya raised an alarm in the interference of legislators’ duties, calling for an amendment of the political act and standing orders of the independence of the National Assembly.
“Today I was privileged to present my concern of independence of the parliament in Naivasha retreat before the committee of the whole house and the office of the registrar of political parties on how we can amend the Political Act and standing orders of the independence of the house,” Salasya said.
The vocal lawmaker blamed political parties for actively being involved in the National Assembly affairs, like whipping members against their will and choosing committees for members.
He went on explaining how the interference by the political parties weakens the parliament’s independence.
“And because of this, I will start the process of amending the political act to stop political parties from having a hand in the affairs of the party, like whipping members against their will and choosing committees for members. This weakens the parliament’s independence,” Salasaya added.
Salasya blames Ruto
His remarks come just a day after the Mumias East MP accused President William Ruto of breaching the Constitution by hosting a ruling party meeting at State House, arguing that the move blurs the line between state and party affairs.
Salasya made the claim in a post on X on January 26, 2026, hours after Ruto chaired a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Governing Council meeting at the presidential residence in Nairobi.
The meeting drew senior party figures, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, governors, MPs, senators and county assembly members.
During the session, Ruto reviewed his administration’s progress under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and discussed party strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. He also approved talks with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to form a coalition, a move aimed at expanding UDA’s support base.
Ruto told the gathering that UDA should seek a decisive win in the next election.
Salasya condemned the use of State House for the meeting. He said the residence represents national unity and neutrality, not party politics.
“This is a serious constitutional violation, not a trivial political misstep,” he wrote. “State House is a national institution, not a party office.”
He added that turning it into a venue for partisan meetings amounts to an abuse of state power.