Mumias East MP Peter Salasya responds to aide's resignation, apologizes over radio interview remarks

Mumias East Member of Parliament Hon. Peter Kalerwa Salasya has issued a public response following the resignation of Harriet Njenga, a key member of his media team, acknowledging her work over the past three years and expressing regret over comments made about her during a recent live radio interview.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the MP said he was "surprised" to learn of Njenga’s decision to step down, which she had announced on social media. He used the opportunity to commend her service, apologize for remarks made by radio presenter Tony Mwirigi, and reaffirm the value of his communications team amid the pressures of political life.

Salasya began his message by reflecting on Njenga’s time in his office. He noted that for the last three years, she had been "an integral part of my media team," and that her contribution had been "exceptional," especially given the intense and often unforgiving nature of Kenyan politics.

The MP specifically highlighted Njenga’s role in developing his media platforms. According to Salasya, her efforts were central to building and expanding "Salasya TV" as well as strengthening the "Salasya" brand across the digital space.

"Through your dedication, creativity, and professionalism, you have significantly strengthened my presence across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and other digital media platforms," he wrote.

He added that Njenga’s work did not happen in isolation. She collaborated closely with other members of his communications unit including Oliver Ouma Barasa, Peter Sydney, Kevin Serveen, and the rest of the team. Together, Salasya said, they had "greatly enhanced my public visibility and communication strategy."

For a politician known for his active and often unfiltered online presence, a strong digital team has been critical. Salasya’s channels frequently feature live sessions, interviews, and direct addresses to constituents, making the media team’s role key to how his message is shaped and received.

A significant portion of the MP’s statement was dedicated to an incident that appears to have contributed to Njenga’s resignation.

Salasya said he wanted to "sincerely apologize" for remarks made by Tony Mwirigi during a live radio interview. During that broadcast, Mwirigi posed a question regarding an alleged personal relationship between the MP and Njenga.

The MP described the question as "inappropriate" and said it "should not have been raised, especially when there were more important matters for public discussion."

He explained that at the time, he chose not to confront the issue directly on air "out of respect for Tony Mwirigi and my understanding of the nature of live media engagements." However, he acknowledged that the incident likely caused Njenga discomfort and may have influenced her decision to leave.

By addressing it publicly, Salasya appeared to be taking responsibility not just for his own office, but for the broader media environment his team operates in. Live interviews, particularly those dealing with politics, can often veer into personal territory, and the MP’s comments suggest he recognizes the impact such moments can have on staff.

The resignation highlights the unique pressures faced by staff working in political communications in Kenya. Teams like Salasya’s are tasked with managing a constant stream of content, responding to criticism, and maintaining a public image while navigating both online and traditional media scrutiny.

Salasya’s acknowledgment of Njenga’s work points to how much modern politicians rely on digital platforms to connect directly with voters. "Salasya TV" and his presence across TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube have become central to how he communicates policy positions, responds to national issues, and engages with supporters in Mumias East and beyond.

Losing a senior team member like Njenga, who helped build that infrastructure, is a notable moment for any political office. Salasya’s public tribute suggests he values continuity and professionalism within his team, even as he operates in a political space that is often chaotic and highly public.

In his message, the MP made a point of naming other team members alongside Njenga. By mentioning Oliver Ouma Barasa, Peter Sydney, and Kevin Serveen, he signaled that the media operation is a collective effort.

This public recognition serves two purposes. First, it shows appreciation for the people behind the scenes who manage content, editing, posting, and engagement. Second, it reassures supporters that despite the resignation, the broader communications strategy remains intact.

Political brands in Kenya are increasingly built online. For Salasya, whose style is direct and personality-driven, maintaining a consistent and professional digital presence is part of how he differentiates himself in Parliament and in his constituency.

Public apologies from politicians are not common, especially when the offending remarks come from a third party like a radio host. By issuing one, Salasya is signaling a degree of accountability to his team and to the public.

He framed the apology around respect for workplace dignity and the need to keep public discourse focused on substantive issues. "There were more important matters for public discussion," he noted, implying that personal speculation distracts from governance and service delivery.

The statement also reflects the blurred lines between politics, media, and personal life in Kenya. Female staffers in particular often face heightened scrutiny and rumors. Salasya’s decision to address the issue head-on may be aimed at protecting both his office’s reputation and Njenga’s professional standing after her exit.

While Salasya did not announce a replacement for Njenga, his detailed praise suggests he understands the gap her departure creates. Building a brand like "Salasya TV" requires consistency, and the team will now have to adjust to continue producing content across multiple platforms without one of its key architects.

The MP’s statement ends on a note of gratitude rather than bitterness. There is no indication of conflict between him and Njenga. Instead, he frames the resignation as surprising but respects her decision, while taking responsibility for the circumstances that may have led to it.

For constituents and followers, the message reinforces Salasya’s image as a hands-on leader who is aware of what happens within his office. It also shows how closely tied a politician’s public image is to the people who manage it behind the scenes.

As Parliament resumes and political activity intensifies ahead of upcoming county and national conversations, Salasya’s media team will remain under pressure to deliver.

The episode with Njenga is a reminder of how personal dynamics, media interviews, and public perception intersect in Kenyan politics. For Salasya, the challenge now will be to maintain the momentum built on digital platforms while ensuring his team operates in a professional and supportive environment.

In his own words, the last three years have seen "invaluable" work done to grow his brand.