Mumias East MP questions government's focus on impeachment over citizen welfare

By Robert Mutasi 

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has rallied against the government's misplaced priorities at a function in Bukhalalire, Busia County, on Saturday. 

His statement comes in the wake of a high political temperature, particularly with the impeachment case involving the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Salasya rhetorically questioned what motivated the President to table a motion to impeach Gachagua, and if this is what Kenyans need.

"Based on the political situation in the country, we have reached a point where we must ask ourselves where we are headed," he observed, stressing the need for a rethink of governmental priorities.

He challenged his fellow MPs to reflect on their legislative accomplishments.

"Ask those MPs how many bills they have since passed in Parliament that would likely uplift the lives of the common mwananchi," Salasya challenged.

He pointed an accusing finger at the current government for wasting its time passing laws meant to serve an elite few instead of the common Kenyan.

Salasya also touched on some weaknesses in government health programs. He went ahead to criticise the move from National Health Insurance Fund to the new Social Health Insurance Fund.

"Naturally, there should be an improvement. But the whole medical health insurance scheme is a mess; nothing is working," he lamented, even as he called for accountability and efficient management of health services.

Notably, Salasya also protested the abolition of UPI, which hitherto helped the students in accessing some of these critical services.

You say you're our leaders, where are you leading us to?" he asked, while urging government officials to ensure education and student welfare comes first.

Salasya further clarified his stand on the impeachment of Gachagua: "I voted no on the issue because I knew that it was not beneficial in any way to the citizens.

He instead urged leaders to ensure matters were resolved without making them national issues to divert attention from governance.

On the last note, Salasya called for adherence to legal processes as far as whatever was being done against Gachagua and his people were concerned.

He must be heard; you have even taken his people home. That is not in accordance with the law," he said. He concluded by emphasizing that any decisions should await judicial determination.