In recent Kenyan celebrity news, a heated exchange has erupted between Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya and renowned socialite Huddah Monroe. The public spat centers around a sum of Sh10,000 that Salasya gifted Huddah, which she dismissed as insignificant, comparing it to “peanuts” or “chicken food.” This altercation has gained significant traction on social media, where the two public figures continue to exchange barbs, providing a window into the complex interplay between politics and celebrity culture in Kenya.
The Beginning of the Spat
Peter Salasya, a vibrant and often controversial politician, is no stranger to the public eye. Known for his humorous and unconventional style of engagement with both his constituents and critics, Salasya found himself in the crosshairs of Huddah Monroe after he allegedly sent her Sh10,000. In a video and social media posts, Salasya shared that the gift was intended as a token of goodwill. According to the politician, he felt compelled to help after Huddah repeatedly requested financial assistance from him. He further claimed that the socialite edited her Mpesa balance to project an image of financial stability, showcasing Sh2 million in her account despite her allegedly struggling financially.
Salasya, currently in Uganda, shared his side of the story on social media, stating, “Nimefika Uganda vizuri and I will be giving a video, but ni mzee kuniliko na mkora, she edited a Mpesa ati ali receive 2M Mpesa and yet we know in Kenya the maximum is Sh500k.” He expressed his surprise at how quickly Huddah dismissed his Sh10,000 gesture, implying that the socialite is not as well-off as she claims to be.
In his account, Salasya paints a picture of Huddah as someone who habitually asks for financial help, stating that she reached out to him frequently via WhatsApp. He explained that, despite his skepticism, he eventually decided to send her Sh10,000 out of sympathy, while he was in Mombasa.
Huddah’s Response: “I Don’t Even Notice Peanuts”
Huddah Monroe, a businesswoman and influencer known for her bold personality and unapologetic lifestyle, quickly fired back after Salasya’s revelations. She expressed indignation at the MP’s comments, claiming that the Sh10,000 was such a negligible amount that she didn’t even notice it at first. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Huddah stated, “Mimi si kienyeji bro tafuta size yako, this guy sent me 10,000 Kshs which I didn’t even notice. Usiniharibie jina coz of $80 dollars bro wacha members wajue nilirudisha pesa ya chakula ya kuku.”
In Huddah’s narrative, the Sh10,000 sent by Salasya was trivial compared to the amounts she usually receives from admirers, some of whom allegedly send her up to Sh2 million. She was quick to assure her followers that she had refunded the money back to Salasya. The socialite went on to belittle the politician further, stating, “Someone sent me 2 million. How could I have noticed Sh10,000 surely? I did not even notice. Small boys need to go play in their rooms.”
The Clash of Perceptions
This public spat has ignited a wider discussion on social media, as people from all walks of life weighed in on the altercation. On the one hand, some supporters of Salasya view his actions as kind-hearted and reflective of his populist image. His detractors, however, argue that the MP should not have publicized the financial gift, as it turned an act of kindness into a publicity stunt.
Conversely, Huddah’s response has sparked debates about the celebrity culture that often glorifies wealth and extravagance. Her remarks, particularly the dismissal of Sh10,000 as “chicken food,” have been seen by some as out of touch with the financial realities of most Kenyans, while others defend her right to set her own standards, particularly given her success as an entrepreneur.
The clash between these two public figures is indicative of broader societal tensions in Kenya. Salasya represents a political class that is often in touch with ordinary citizens, while Huddah embodies a new breed of social media-driven influencers who often portray aspirational lifestyles that may or may not align with their actual financial situations.
Salasya’s Retaliation: “I Will Never Date a Socialite”
Following Huddah’s remarks, Salasya did not hold back in his counter-response. The MP expressed his disillusionment with the socialite lifestyle, vowing never to associate himself with socialites in the future. He criticized Huddah for “faking it,” saying, “From today henceforth I will never want to associate myself with a socialite. Yes, it’s good to fake it until you make it but most socialites suffer a lot. Let them live in reality and be real like me.”
Salasya’s comments about the financial struggles faced by socialites have resonated with a portion of his supporters who view the flashy lives of influencers with skepticism. His assertion that he is “richer than her” added fuel to the fire, as the MP framed the issue as one of authenticity and financial responsibility versus the illusion of wealth often portrayed on social media.
In a final jab, Salasya reflected on the value of the Sh10,000 he sent Huddah, reminding her that the amount could cover significant expenses for ordinary Kenyans, such as school fees or funeral contributions. This statement endeared him further to his followers, who appreciated his efforts to maintain a grounded perspective despite the ongoing feud.
The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Culture vs. Political Populism
The saga between Peter Salasya and Huddah Monroe is more than just a personal spat; it speaks to the intersection of celebrity culture and political populism in Kenya. On one side, we have Salasya, a politician who prides himself on being accessible to ordinary people, and on the other, Huddah, a socialite whose public persona is built around success, luxury, and entrepreneurship.
In recent years, the rise of social media influencers has created a parallel space where personalities like Huddah can command significant followings and project lifestyles that appeal to millions. For many, Huddah represents aspiration and the possibility of achieving financial independence through unconventional means. However, the performative aspects of this culture—where wealth is often exaggerated or faked—have also drawn criticism, as evidenced by Salasya’s pointed remarks about the socialite lifestyle.
Meanwhile, politicians like Salasya have carved out a different path, appealing to a more grounded, working-class sensibility. His decision to publicize the Sh10,000 gift, while criticized by some, is reflective of his populist approach, which thrives on transparency and relatability. For many of his constituents, the MP’s willingness to call out perceived phoniness resonates deeply, especially in a country where income inequality is a pressing issue.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Perspective
The clash between Peter Salasya and Huddah Monroe serves as a fascinating case study in the dynamics of modern Kenyan society. On one hand, it highlights the contrasting worlds of politics and celebrity culture, each with its own values, aspirations, and audiences. On the other hand, it underscores the power of social media in shaping public discourse and influencing how people perceive wealth, generosity, and authenticity.
As the debate continues to unfold, one thing is clear: both Salasya and Huddah have successfully managed to capture the attention of the nation. Whether their feud will result in any lasting impact remains to be seen, but for now, it offers a snapshot of the evolving relationship between Kenya’s political class and its celebrity elite.
