In a recent parliamentary session, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya faced criticism for live-streaming the proceedings on his TikTok account, an action that contravenes established parliamentary protocols.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah raised a point of order, alleging that Salasya recorded himself during the session while making inappropriate remarks.
He emphasized that such behavior diminishes the dignity of the House, especially since official proceedings are already broadcasted live on television.
Ichung’wah urged the Speaker to demand an apology from Salasya and to ensure the removal of the unauthorized footage from social media platforms.
The incident led to a heated exchange between Salasya and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. When questioned about the live-streaming, Salasya initially denied the allegations, expressing frustration over not being given ample opportunity to contribute to the debate.
He stated, “I don’t know what Ichung’wah is talking about. I also have my own contribution to make.”
Unsatisfied with this response, Speaker Wetang’ula warned Salasya about the seriousness of the matter, indicating that Parliament could retrieve logs from his phone to verify the claims.
He advised Salasya to be honorable and forthcoming, cautioning that dishonesty could lead to disciplinary actions, including a referral to the Powers and Privileges Committee.
Following the Speaker’s admonition, Salasya reconsidered his stance. He stood before the House and issued an apology, acknowledging his mistake.
He assured his fellow parliamentarians that he would delete the offending footage from his social media accounts.
He stated, “Mr. Speaker, I apologize, withdraw, and delete.” This incident underscores the importance of adhering to parliamentary protocols and the potential consequences of breaching established rules.
This event is not the first time MP Salasya has found himself at the center of controversy. In January 2024, he faced criticism for his involvement in the forceful eviction of a school principal by parents and community members, who blamed the principal for poor academic performance.
Salasya later apologized for his role in the incident, acknowledging the importance of teachers’ security and the need for proper channels to address grievances.
Additionally, in September 2024, Salasya was involved in a publicized online exchange with Kenyan socialite Huddah Monroe. The dispute arose after Huddah criticized Salasya for sending her Ksh 10,000, referring to the amount as insignificant.
The exchange garnered significant attention, leading to Huddah issuing a public apology to the MP, expressing respect and clarifying that she had no personal issues with him.
These incidents highlight the challenges and scrutiny public figures face, emphasizing the need for adherence to established protocols and the importance of maintaining decorum in both official duties and personal interactions.
