Salasya explains why he boycotted Ruto’s Western region tour
By Joel Masibo, November 4, 2025Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has explained why he avoided President William Ruto’s development drive tour in the larger Western parts of Kenya in late October 2025.
In an X statement dated Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the youthful legislator addressed his constituents and the people of Western Kenya regarding the recent tour by the Head of State across the region.
Salasya stays away
”As the elected Member of Parliament for Mumias East, I made a conscious decision not to attend the President’s engagements. This was not out of disrespect but out of deep concern and disappointment over the government’s continued inaction on key development projects affecting our people,” Salasya said.
While at Shiveye in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega County, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, President Ruto launched the construction of the 33km Shamakokho-Kaimosi-Mpaka-Mululu-Museno-Malinya road connecting Vihiga and Kakamega counties. According to Ruto, the Ksh1.5 billion project will enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and improve access to markets.
”We have commissioned 230km of new roads across the county and allocated Ksh2.6 billion to connect 34,000 homesteads to electricity, advancing our agenda of universal access to power. We are upgrading Kakamega Airport by extending the runway from 900 metres to 1.2 kilometres, and widening it to accommodate larger aircraft, a key step towards positioning Kakamega as a regional economic hub.” Ruto said.
However, Salasya pointed out the negligence at Kakamega Airport by relevant authorities as part of the reason he stayed away from Ruto’s engagements in his backyard.
”The Kakamega Airstrip, once a symbol of regional connectivity and economic promise, has remained grounded and neglected since operations were halted. The Kakamega County Referral Hospital, which should be a centre of excellence in healthcare, continues to languish in an unfinished state.”
“The Bukhungu Stadium, which should be hosting international events and promoting youth talent, has similarly been left hanging midway. Furthermore, the Ibokolo–Shianda–Malaha–Nambacha–Navakholo Road, a critical artery for trade and movement within Kakamega County, has stalled since the beginning of this administration,” Salasya added.
Projects completion
According to the lawmaker, these are not new projects; they are long-standing commitments repeatedly mentioned but never realised.
”During his visit, the President once again issued the same pledges and pronouncements that have characterised his previous tours to Western Kenya a repetition of promises without timelines, budgets, or tangible follow-through. Our people have grown weary of these recurring statements that yield no visible change on the ground.” Salasya said.
Peter Salasya further said Western Kenya deserves more than speeches and symbolic visits, but action, completion, and accountability.