Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has delivered a sharp critique of authoritarian leadership, warning that dictatorship has consistently failed to translate into economic progress in East Africa.
In his remarks, Salasya cited Uganda under President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled for nearly four decades, noting that despite the long tenure, the country continues to struggle economically. He made a similar comparison with Tanzania, arguing that prolonged periods of authoritarian rule have not yielded meaningful economic transformation.
Turning to Kenya’s own history, Salasya reflected on the era of former President Daniel arap Moi, describing him as more authoritarian but relatively conciliatory, yet presiding over a country that still lagged economically.
In contrast, the legislator praised former President Mwai Kibaki, emphasizing that his leadership marked a turning point for Kenya’s economy. Salasya noted that Kibaki governed without authoritarian tendencies and instead focused on sound economic management and institutional reforms.
He highlighted key achievements during Kibaki’s tenure, including the introduction of free primary education, significant salary improvements for police officers from about KSh4,000 paid in cash to approximately KSh17,000 deposited through banks and major infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Thika Superhighway.
Salasya warned that attempts to impose authoritarian rule in Kenya would ultimately fail, arguing that Kenyans value transparency, accountability, and inclusive leadership over forceful governance.
He also raised concerns about the state of the healthcare system, blaming what he described as the forced implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) reforms for pushing the sector to the brink of collapse.
According to Salasya, Kenya does not need dictatorship to move forward but rather leaders with strong economic understanding who can work quietly and effectively for the benefit of the country, as Kibaki did.
He concluded by urging the current leadership to focus on doing what they can responsibly, reminding them that leadership is temporary and that history will judge leaders not by power, but by integrity, humility, and service to the people.
