Salasya's Fiery Letter to Ruto Blasts State House Church Construction

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has sparked a fierce debate in Kenya’s cost-of-living crisis with a fiery open letter to President William Ruto, condemning the proposed KSh 1.2 billion church construction within State House grounds.

Posted on his official Instagram on July 4, 2025, Salasya’s emotional letter skips formalities, diving into sharp constitutional and moral objections, reflecting his deep frustration.

“You’re not just the leader of Christians but also Muslims, Hindus, traditionalists, and atheists—every Kenyan,” Salasya wrote, highlighting Ruto’s duty to all faiths.

He listed dire challenges facing citizens: parents struggling with school fees, soaring youth unemployment, hospitals lacking medicine, and the price of unga “choking families.”

He called the church project “insensitivity at its peak” and a “betrayal of trust,” arguing that KSh 1.2 billion for an elite vanity project mocks hungry Kenyans.

Urging Ruto to redirect funds to social safety nets, Salasya shared his own story: “I grew up in a mud-walled house, fetching water barefoot. I know real struggle. That’s why I’ll run for president in 2027.” His ambition and raw perspective resonated widely.

Kenyans on X echoed his sentiments:

@Wanjiku254: “Salasya’s spot on! KSh 1.2B for a church while we can’t afford unga? Ruto, listen!”

@YouthVoiceKE: “Proud of Salasya for calling out this nonsense. We need leaders who feel our pain.” Critics, however, questioned his motives:

@NairobiSkeptic: “Salasya’s just grandstanding for 2027 votes. Where’s his plan for the crisis?”

@TruthSeekerKE: “Bold words, but MPs like him approved budgets. Why cry now?”

Comedian Njugush also weighed in, blasting the project on social media as a “blatant misuse of funds.” His post, liked by thousands, urged leaders to tackle real issues like healthcare and education, amplifying the frustration of Kenya’s youth.

The Kenya Revenue Authority’s tax rules add context: public projects funded by taxpayer money, including State House initiatives, face scrutiny under the Public Finance Management Act, requiring transparency and public benefit. Missteps could trigger audits or legal challenges, as noted in recent X discussions.