Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has come out strongly against a proposed law by President William Ruto’s administration aimed at regulating political campaigns, calling it a dangerous assault on Kenya’s democracy.
In a bold statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Salasya warned that such legislation could usher in an era of political repression reminiscent of Uganda’s current authoritarian climate.
“I wish to categorically and unapologetically state my strong opposition to any legislative attempt by President William Ruto’s administration to regulate or control political campaigns in Kenya under the guise of law and order,” he wrote.
Salasya argued that the proposal threatens the heart of Kenya’s democratic freedoms, particularly the right of every citizen to organize, campaign, and seek leadership without intimidation or interference. He emphasized that these rights, enshrined in the 2010 Constitution, were earned through years of civic struggle and must remain untouchable.
“…if this law passes, Kenya risks sliding into full-blown political repression similar to what we’re witnessing in Uganda – where opposition voices are constantly under siege, democracy is a facade, and power is protected, not contested,” Salasya averred.
The vocal legislator described the multiparty system as a cornerstone of the country’s democracy and warned that restricting campaign freedoms would open the door to dangerous levels of state control.
“The Constitution of Kenya 2010 is very clear: every Kenyan has the right to campaign, to mobilise, and to seek leadership freely and fairly,” Salasya stated. “We will not allow any law to reverse that legacy for the comfort of one regime or one man.”
Salasya Accuses of Govt of Crippling Opposition
Salasya also accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of attempting to silence the opposition instead of focusing on improving public service delivery.
“You cannot win future elections by crippling the opposition. You win by performing, by delivering, and by respecting the rule of law,” he said.
He cautioned that allowing the bill to pass would normalize the suppression of dissent, warning that such a move would have long-term consequences for the country’s democratic health.
Calling on his fellow lawmakers to reject the legislation regardless of political affiliation, Salasya urged Parliament to prioritize national interest over party politics.
“I will reject this proposed law on the floor of the National Assembly, and I call on my fellow MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to rise above party loyalty and defend the soul of our democracy,” he declared.
Salasya concluded with a chilling warning about the road ahead if the legislation proceeds.
“If we allow this law to pass, we will have betrayed the future of this nation. We will have opened the door to dictatorship dressed in legal robes. I will not sit and watch as our country walks into political darkness,” he warned.
His remarks came just a day after the High Court instructed Attorney General Dorcas Oduor to draft new laws governing political campaigns held outside official election periods. In her ruling, Justice Hedwig Ong’udi said such campaigns violate current legal frameworks and gave the AG 12 months to present new legislation.
