Salasya: Presidency is not about launching old projects as Kenyans suffer shrinking payslips
By Sharon Atieno, July 2, 2026Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has launched a fresh attack on President William Ruto, arguing that leadership should focus on policy and long-term economic relief for citizens rather than public relations exercises centred on commissioning projects initiated under previous administrations.
Speaking through his X account on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Salasya claimed the presidency should be measured by the quality of policies implemented and the economic well-being of ordinary Kenyans, not frequent launches of infrastructure projects that had already been started by the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Salasya questions development record
The outspoken lawmaker pointed to major projects launched during Uhuru’s administration, including the Dongo Kundu project, LAPSSET Corridor, the Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Naivasha, Huduma Centres and the affordable housing programme, saying many of them were either completed or initiated before the current administration took office.
“Now you’re celebrating a flyover as if it’s the greatest achievement. The presidency isn’t about PR. This project was started during the previous regime,” Salasya stated.
He further argued that despite major infrastructure development during the previous administration, Kenyan workers did not experience the level of statutory deductions currently reflected in their payslips.
Ngong flyover sparks political debate
Salasya’s remarks come days after President Ruto commissioned the Ksh3.8 billion Ngong Road–Naivasha Road Flyover in Nairobi, describing the project as part of the government’s wider plan to modernise the capital city and eliminate persistent traffic bottlenecks.
According to government data, the 820-metre flyover is expected to cut travel time by up to 60 per cent and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
The MP also raised concerns over government spending, noting that Kenya’s national budget has risen from approximately Ksh3.9 trillion under Uhuru Kenyatta to nearly Ksh4.8 trillion, despite repeated austerity measures.
“The presidency is about creating policies that improve lives for generations, not moving around launching old projects while Kenyans continue feeling the weight of shrinking payslips,” Salasya added.