Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has renewed his push to unite the Luhya community, calling for a political awakening as he tours Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking to residents at Dorof Market in Kanduyi, Bungoma County on Saturday, May 3, 2025, Salasya lamented the persistent disunity among Luhya leaders, saying it has cost the region key leadership positions and development opportunities for years.

“We had a leader called Masinde Muliro who brought all Mulembe houses together. Later, we had Kijana Wamalwa, who united the Luhya community, and because of that, we were able to get a vice president. For 20 years, our people have not been united,” he told the crowd.

Salasya criticised current leaders from the region for failing to push a united agenda when engaging with national leadership. He claimed most of them pursue personal interests instead of lobbying for roads, infrastructure, and other developments needed in Western Kenya.

“We have our leaders, but they have never spoken with seriousness. Even when they go to the State House, they don’t ask for development. They only fight for their interests. That is why we are not united,” the youthful legislator said.

Highlighting the region’s strength in numbers and economic contribution, the lawmaker said the Luhya community must realise its potential and speak in one voice.

“We are over 10 million. We contribute to the country’s tax revenue,” he said, urging the community to rally behind leaders who are committed to genuine transformation.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Salasya described the Bungoma event as symbolic, saying it marks the emergence of a new kind of leadership.

Salasya stated that his presidential bid is aimed at uniting the Luhya community under a common vision, presenting himself as the leader capable of bringing them together ahead of the 2027 elections.

“My presidential bid today in Bungoma in Kanduyi kwa Doruf Market is a wake-up voice that a new leader who is going to put all Luhya together has been born, and he is going to lead this country come 2027 as a president. ONE MAN guitar,” he posted.

Salasya began his latest grassroots engagements in Busia County on May 1, 2025, with plans to continue traversing the country.

Salasya, Raila beef

Before starting his national tour, Salasya said he would skip Kisumu, Siaya, and Migori, ODM leader Raila Odinga’s strongholds.

“I will again meet all youth leaders in my home of Kisumundogo… Areas I will not go to are Kisumu, Siaya, and Migori. Nairobi will be the last region,” he said.

His decision to bypass parts of the Nyanza region is widely interpreted as a reflection of the deepening rift between him and Raila Odinga.

Reinventing himself as a voice for Western Kenya, he criticised Raila for neglecting the Luhya community who, according to him, have stood by him for decades.

“We have stood with Raila Amolo Odinga through thick and thin… It is the Luo community that benefits most when it comes to national appointments and decisions,” he said.

Salasya declared the Luhya were cutting ties with ODM and would no longer be used for votes.

“We are not waiting to be invited, we are charting our course… We shall not go into 2027 blindly. We are awake. We are ready,” he said.