Salasya Defends Remarks Amid Climate Change Controversy

Mumias East Member of Parliament, Peter Salasya, has responded defiantly to his critics who took issue with his recent comments on climate change. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Salasya urged his detractors to consider running for political office themselves if they believed they could articulate their points better with their strong command of English.

The Azimio MP, known for his straightforward approach, emphasized that Kenyan politics is rooted in local issues, asserting that his primary role as an elected official is not to delve into the complexities of climate change. He firmly stated, “I was not elected to talk about climate change.”

The controversy surrounding Salasya erupted on Monday when a video of him discussing climate change circulated on social media. In the video, he stumbled and appeared uncertain about the topic, prompting humorous reactions from netizens.

During the video, Salasya shared an anecdote from his recent visit to Mombasa, where he expressed surprise at the cold weather. He humorously recounted being told by locals that the excessive sun had caused the ice to melt, leading to colder temperatures. Despite his jovial tone, he acknowledged the reality of global climate change and the importance of taking action for the sake of the country.

Salasya was among the elected leaders who participated in the Africa Climate Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday. The summit, which is set to continue until Wednesday, September 6, 2023, brings together policymakers and experts to address pressing environmental issues.

Peter Salasya, the first-term MP from Mumias East, remains steadfast in his focus on local politics while downplaying his role in discussing climate change. His unapologetic response to criticism underscores the diversity of perspectives within Kenyan politics and the challenges of balancing local concerns with global issues like climate change. The humorous incident serves as a reminder of the need for informed and proactive engagement on pressing environmental challenges facing the nation.