A controversial incident recently unfolded in the Kenyan Parliament when Mumias East MP, Peter Salasya, found himself at the center of a heated exchange. The MP was accused of violating parliamentary rules by live streaming House proceedings on his mobile phone and making unprofessional remarks. This incident has sparked a heated debate about decorum in Parliament and the need for MPs to adhere to established parliamentary guidelines.
The Incident: Accusations and Back-and-Forth
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, during a Parliamentary session, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa raised a critical issue. He accused MP Peter Salasya of filming himself and broadcasting Parliament’s proceedings on his phone, which is against the standing orders of the House. Ichung’wa condemned Salasya’s actions as a form of disrespect towards the institution of Parliament.
Alleged Violations and Unacceptable Behavior
According to Ichung’wa, Salasya’s live stream not only disrupted the decorum of the House but also included “inappropriate” comments that were made during the session. The Majority Leader pointed out that Parliament’s proceedings are already broadcast live by the Parliamentary Service Commission, and there is no need for MPs to record them independently.
Ichung’wa’s frustration was evident as he demanded that Salasya take responsibility for his actions, delete the offending live stream, and issue an apology to the House for his behavior.
Kimani Ichung’wa’s statement:
“On the matter of decorum of the House, I saw Salasya livestreaming the proceedings and recording himself from the back seat. The House and the Parliamentary Service Commission provide live coverage on TV, and we cannot belittle this institution through such uncouth behavior. He was saying very unpalatable things on live media, and we require that you ask him to delete those media and apologize to the House.”
A Heated Exchange Between the Speaker and Salasya
The situation quickly escalated when Speaker Moses Wetang’ula intervened to question MP Peter Salasya directly about the allegations. He asked Salasya if he had indeed live-streamed Parliament’s proceedings while making inappropriate comments. However, Salasya vehemently denied the accusations, claiming that he was unaware of the live streaming and that he did not run his social media accounts.
Speaker Wetang’ula, visibly disappointed with Salasya’s response, pressed the matter further, questioning whether the MP was being truthful. He warned Salasya that Parliament could request access to his phone records and even refer him to the disciplinary committee for further investigation if the matter was not handled properly.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s warning:
“Be honorable, my dear young man! If you are not honorable, it is very easy for Parliament to ask for the logs in your phone and see what you are doing. If you say it is true, then the Speaker will take other remedial actions. If you don’t, it is a matter that you can find your way to the Powers and Privileges Committee with an intended consequence… Dishonesty is not a virtue.”
Salasya, unfazed by the confrontation, responded by expressing uncertainty about the details of the accusations and suggesting that he would verify the claims. Despite his nonchalant attitude, the Speaker ordered the Clerk to obtain Salasya’s mobile device to investigate the matter.
Salasya’s Live Stream Incident: The Instagram Post
Amidst the ongoing debate, MP Peter Salasya took to his Instagram account, where he live-streamed himself mocking the proceedings in Parliament. In the clip, he could be heard making fun of the debate regarding the rightful Majority and Minority in Parliament, which was a critical topic at the time.
Salasya, in the video, could be heard saying:
“Hapa mambo imechemka hatutaki mchezo, we want to show Ichung’wa nimekaa kwa corner nikipiga nduru, nimekaa hapa kwa corner kazi yangu nikupiga kelele. Leo Ichung’wa anakwenda huko, ametusumbua sana huyu mtu akwende huko, kaa huko Ichung’wa.”
(Translation: “Things are hot here, no joking. We want to show Ichung’wa that I am in the corner shouting. Today Ichung’wa is going there, this guy has troubled us so much, let him go there, stay there Ichung’wa.”)
This controversial live stream was seen as a deliberate mockery of the ongoing debates and the seriousness of the parliamentary session. It further intensified the debate on whether MPs should be allowed to conduct themselves in such a manner while representing the people of Kenya in Parliament.
The Impact of the Incident on Parliamentary Decorum
Upholding Parliamentary Integrity
The incident involving MP Peter Salasya has raised significant questions about the standards of conduct expected from lawmakers in Kenya’s National Assembly. Parliamentary proceedings are meant to be conducted with utmost respect and decorum, and the members of Parliament are expected to maintain the dignity of the institution in their actions both within and outside the chamber.
The act of live streaming and making fun of Parliament’s proceedings is seen by many as an undermining of the authority of the House. Salasya’s behavior could lead to a broader discussion about the use of social media by public officials, especially during official functions.
Role of Social Media in Politics
Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have become powerful tools for political engagement and communication. However, their use by elected officials during official proceedings is controversial. Many argue that social media can be a platform for transparency and engagement, while others believe it can lead to irresponsible behavior and distractions during critical discussions in Parliament.
In Salasya’s case, his actions may have crossed a line by not only disrupting the proceedings but also by disrespecting the office of the Speaker and the seriousness of the legislative process.
Conclusion: Should MPs Be Held Accountable for Their Actions?
The controversy surrounding MP Peter Salasya’s live stream highlights the need for stronger enforcement of parliamentary rules regarding behavior and decorum. While social media is an essential tool for communication in modern politics, it should not be used to undermine the credibility of the institution or to make light of important discussions.
As the Speaker and other members of Parliament push for accountability, the outcome of this case could have long-term implications for how MPs conduct themselves both inside and outside the House. It is crucial that lawmakers respect the rules that govern Parliament and set an example for the public they serve.
Key Takeaways
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Accusation | MP Peter Salasya accused of live streaming Parliament proceedings on his phone. |
| Violation | Salasya allegedly violated standing orders by recording and making inappropriate comments. |
| Reaction | National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa called for an apology from Salasya. |
| Speaker’s Intervention | Speaker Moses Wetang’ula warned Salasya about the consequences of dishonesty and requested his phone records. |
| Live Stream Incident | Salasya mocked the debate on his Instagram, making fun of the Majority and Minority discussions. |
| Impact on Decorum | The incident sparked a discussion about maintaining the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and the use of social media. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What happened to Peter Salasya in Parliament? Peter Salasya was accused of live-streaming parliamentary proceedings on his phone and making inappropriate remarks about the session.
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Why was this a problem? The live streaming violated parliamentary rules, which forbid MPs from recording and broadcasting proceedings independently.
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What did the Speaker say? Speaker Moses Wetang’ula warned Salasya about the consequences of dishonesty and stated that Parliament could request his phone records for verification.
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What impact did the incident have? The incident sparked a discussion on the importance of maintaining decorum in Parliament and the responsible use of social media by public officials.
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What are the next steps in this case? Salasya’s phone records may be investigated, and the matter could be referred to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Committee.
