Salasya to vie for Kakamega governor seat in 2027

Peter Salasya, the Member of Parliament for Mumias East, has officially announced his intention to contest the gubernatorial seat in Kakamega County during the upcoming general election.

Making the declaration on his official X page (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the legislator stated, "It's now official I will be vying for Governor."

Currently serving his first term as an MP, Salasya was elected on the DAP-K party ticket under the Azimio coalition.

The decision to vie for the Governor's seat comes after a falling out with another political figure, Barasa, and is seen by Salasya as a means to teach him a lesson.

Despite attempts by ODM leader Raila Odinga to reconcile Salasya and Barasa, the MP insisted that he would not seek peace with his county boss.

Salasya has been embroiled in various controversies since his election, but his compassion for the vulnerable and impoverished in Mumias has garnered admiration from Kenyans.

A recent video allegedly showing Salasya slapping an MCA from the Western region during a public gathering sparked widespread discussion.

On January 17, Salasya was charged in Mumias court for assaulting the MCA, and he appeared before Mumias Senior Resident Magistrate Marcella Onyango. He denied the charges and was released on bond.

If Salasya's declaration materializes, he will compete against Senator Boni Khalwale, who has announced his intention to run for the governor's seat in 2027.

Khalwale, who unsuccessfully ran for the seat in 2017, is reportedly teaming up with former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya in an effort to unseat Barasa.

Oparanya, although said to be eyeing the senatorial seat, has not made a formal declaration yet. Barasa, currently serving his first term, is expected to defend his seat.