Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has called on the youth to live within their means and avoid displaying a flashy lifestyle on social media while struggling in real life.
In a candid interview with a local TV station on Friday, January 31, 2025, Salasya revealed that the problem with the current crop of youth in the country is that they go beyond their means to impress social media followers.
“Kitu mbaya inayoumiza vijana kwa mitandao ni kuwa wanakaa lifestyle kubwa. I always tell people: Live within your means. The moment you fail to live within your means, you will die,” Salasya said.
He cautioned the youth against conspicuous consumption, urging that it could only ruin their finances.
“You must be considerate to yourself. Only drink when it is necessary,” he urged.
Living double lives
The first-term MP observed that there was a growing concern about people living a double life; one of opulence and display of wealth on social media, and another of lack in real life.
“I accepted myself when I was studying at Egerton University and used to live in a Ksh1,500 house. In fact, I was told that it was a rip-off and that the house should have cost Ksh600 per month,” the youthful MP remarked.
“I was voted to parliament when I was living in a house which cost me Ksh4,500 a month in rent,” he added.
Salasya’s humble beginnings
On January 15, 2025, Salasya met a shop owner from way back in his campus era whom he said would give him household items on credit when he struggled through school.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Salasya shared a heartwarming video of the reunion in the shop where he used to buy most items on credit 10 years ago.
The MP revealed that Jimmy- the shop owner- used to sell him essential items, such as soap and tea leaves, on credit when he was struggling financially.
Also, the MP noted the spirited political debates they used to have, with Jimmy supporting former President Uhuru Kenyatta while he rooted for his political idol, Raila Odinga.
“Just met Jimmy wa shop after 10 good years mwenye nilikuwa nakopa sabuni ya 15bob na majani kwake in Nakuru. He has reminded me how we used to argue with him when he used to support Uhuru na mimi Raila who was my idol politically then. Life is a journey never give up even at your lowest moment but hope should never die in you,” he shared.
