Peter Salasya declares he’s starting a new school for political aspirants

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya is taking on a new role in civic education with the launch of the PK Salasya Leadership Academy, an initiative aimed at mentoring aspiring politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The first-term legislator announced that the academy will officially launch on 15 March and will serve as a training platform for Kenyans seeking elective office — from grassroots leadership to top national positions.

Preparing Aspirants for 2027

According to Salasya, the academy’s curriculum is open to a wide range of political hopefuls and is not limited to any single level of government. It will cater to aspirants eyeing the following positions:

• Members of County Assembly (MCAs)

• Members of Parliament (MPs)

• Women Representatives

• Senators

• Governors

To maximise accessibility, the academy will offer free online lessons, adopting an open and distance learning model. This approach is intended to reach participants across the country, particularly those who may lack the financial means to attend conventional political training programmes.

“Join the class by 15th March,” Salasya said, adding that the academy seeks to demystify his approach to politics.

Lessons Drawn from Defeat

The academy is grounded in Salasya’s own unconventional political journey, which he frequently cites as proof that failure can be a powerful teacher.

In the 2017 general election, his first attempt to win the Mumias East parliamentary seat ended in a resounding defeat, with just 254 votes. He says the experience exposed him to the harsh realities of Kenyan politics and helped him learn from his mistakes.

Armed with those lessons, Salasya successfully contested the seat in 2022, emerging as one of the most outspoken and recognisable figures in the current Parliament.

Roots in Activism

Salasya’s political journey began well before his parliamentary win. He previously served as a student leader at Egerton University, where he was first introduced to organised leadership and activism.

Outside campus politics, he was also known for philanthropic work in Nakuru, particularly initiatives supporting street children.

He describes the leadership academy as a tool to make politics more accessible to ordinary Kenyans, emphasising a grassroots approach that prioritises performance, direct engagement, and independence from traditional political machinery.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the academy reflects a growing trend of politicians using digital platforms to expand their influence and shape the next generation of leaders. Participation is open to anyone interested in learning what Salasya calls his unique, people-centred style of campaigning