Salasya: Parliament now is just kalongolongo under Executive control
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has expressed deep concern over the increasing Executive control of constituency development projects.
Speaking on his X platform on Friday, June 6, 2025, Salasya warned that Kenyans risk losing autonomy over local development to the executive branch.
Services held hostage
He criticised the system, saying MPs are forced to seek presidential approval for basic development needs, sidelining Parliament’s mandate.
Addressing service delivery, Salasya said
“So if your constituency needs KMTC, TTI, school renovations, buses, toilets, classrooms, chiefs’ offices, police post, or any functions being performed by the national government, you must go and kneel before the president.”
Parliament’s mandate challenged
Reacting to the High Court ruling blocking MPs from forwarding the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Salasya questioned the court’s interference in parliamentary business.
“How can even a court stop the parliament from discussing and taking on its mandate? Ati discuss but not to forward it to president? Haha ujinga tupu yani muchezo,” he said.
He added, “It’s clear, let the parliament do its work then after the court can determine its legality. Somebody somewhere wants everybody to worship him.”
Vision for change
Looking ahead, Salasya promised to bring change once he becomes president in 2027.
“Kenyans are at risk of losing everything to the executive but they can’t see. We shall save Kenya from all this mess,” he declared, pledging to restore balance and safeguard devolved functions.
Court blocks MPs’ bid
The High Court on Thursday blocked MPs’ latest attempt to retain control over the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), declaring the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) unconstitutional and ordering its closure by June 30, 2026.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that MPs can debate the Bill to entrench the fund constitutionally, but cannot forward it to the President for assent until its legality is determined.
The court held that the fund violates devolution principles by encroaching on county government roles and criticised MPs for bypassing necessary consultations with the Senate.
This ruling marks a significant setback for MPs seeking to maintain control over local development funds.
