Peter Salasya, the 35-year-old Member of Parliament for Mumias East Constituency, is a symbol of resilience, having made a remarkable transition from financial struggles to political prominence. His life story is one of grit, faith, and the belief that anything is possible with divine intervention. Recently, Salasya shared a unique perspective on money, describing it as “like flowers,” a sentiment that reflects both his humility and his unwavering faith.
Salasya’s journey to Parliament is a classic example of a grass-to-grace story. Before his rise, life was not easy. He frequently found himself struggling to make ends meet. Reflecting on his earlier years, he recalled how even raising the fare to travel from his village to Nairobi was a daunting task. “I had to bargain it down to Sh. 650 to save some change for mukombero at the Majengo stopover,” Salasya shared. He remembered taking long, uncomfortable bus rides on services like Basi la Matunda or Eldoret Express, a far cry from the comfort he now enjoys as a member of Kenya’s National Assembly.
Salasya’s story resonates deeply with many Kenyans who face daily financial constraints and challenges. His humility in recounting these struggles is both inspiring and grounding, reminding people that even those who now occupy the highest echelons of power and influence often start from humble beginnings.
A crucial turning point in his life came when he successfully campaigned to become the Member of Parliament for Mumias East in 2022. His victory was not just a personal triumph but a testament to his resilience and belief in hard work. He has since dedicated himself to serving his constituents and improving their lives, particularly through initiatives like the PK Salasya Classic Cup football tournament, which he has organized in his constituency.
The tournament, which kicked off on December 1, 2024, is a perfect example of Salasya’s desire to engage his community and provide opportunities for young people to stay active and avoid engaging in delinquent behavior. This initiative is part of a larger tradition in Kenya, where politicians often organize sports events to foster unity and create positive platforms for the youth during school holidays. However, Salasya has acknowledged the challenges of organizing such an event, particularly the high budget required to make it a success. He admitted that hosting a tournament of this magnitude is no easy feat, which is why he turned to prayer, asking for divine assistance. “Having a successful tournament is no joke. God, I pray for Your help. The budget is high, but who is God? He will make it happen. To me, money is like flowers,” he shared on his Instagram.
In his eyes, money is not the be-all and end-all but a transient resource that should be used wisely for the betterment of society. Salasya’s view on money as “like flowers” implies that it is something that can bloom and flourish when nurtured, but it is not the foundation of a fulfilled life. His faith in God is central to this perspective, as he believes that with divine help, any financial hurdle can be overcome.
Salasya’s reflection on his life thus far is a poignant reminder of how far he has come. From negotiating bus fare and enduring difficult travel experiences to now organizing tournaments and planning projects to uplift his community, he has experienced a complete transformation. He marvels at how he can now afford luxuries he once only dreamed of, such as boarding airplanes like they were public service vehicles. His perspective on money, rooted in humility and faith, speaks volumes about his character.
Peter Salasya’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and hard work. As he continues to serve his constituents, his journey will no doubt inspire many, particularly those who feel that their financial struggles are insurmountable. In Salasya’s view, if one stays faithful and works hard, anything is possible even the impossible.
