Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has hit back at President William Ruto following the Head of State’s viral remarks urging Kenyans over the age of 35 to settle down and get married.
The outspoken bachelor, known for his frequent clashes with the administration, advised the President to address the economy before lecturing citizens on their personal lives.
Taking to social media, Salasya argued that the rising cost of living and high unemployment rates are the primary barriers to marriage for young Kenyans.
He suggested that instead of giving unsolicited relationship advice, the government should establish a financial safety net for those looking to start families.
“You have ruined the economy, and now you want people to marry? Place a marriage fund on the table first,” Salasya posted in a translated reaction to the President’s call.
The President’s Call to “Man Up”
The drama began when President Ruto challenged single men and women to take up family responsibilities. The President expressed concern that many young people are “running away” from adulthood by spending their time in clubs rather than building stable homes.
“Anyone who is above 35 years old is old enough to be married,” Ruto asserted.
This is not the first time the president has challenged young Kenyans to embrace marriage. A few months ago, in a high-profile wedding, the president challenged Kenyans over 25 years to consider settling down instead of hopping from one nightclub to another.
Economic Barriers to “I Do”
Salasya’s reaction reflects a broader sentiment among Kenyans who feel the President’s advice is out of touch with the current financial reality. Recent statistics highlight a significant decline in marriage rates in Kenya, with many citing economic hardship as the leading cause.
- Unemployment: Youth unemployment in Kenya currently sits at approximately 13.7%.
- Single Status: A 2023 KNBS survey revealed that 40% of urban men aged 20-34 remain single primarily due to financial instability.
- Declining Marriages: The proportion of married women aged 15-49 has dropped from 63.1% in 1989 to just 48.1% in 2022.
Salasya’s Own Search for Love
The Mumias East lawmaker is one of the country’s most prominent bachelors and has often turned his own love life into a public spectacle. Despite holding a “wife-searching” contest in 2024 and being linked to several high-profile socialites, Salasya remains unmarried.
He has previously admitted that while he is “ready to settle,” the pressures of political life and finding a genuine partner make the process difficult.
By demanding a “marriage fund,” Salasya is echoing calls for a “Starter Life Kit”—a proposal by other officials to provide one year of government support to help young couples begin their lives together.
The exchange has sparked a massive debate online, with some supporting the President’s call for responsibility, while others side with Salasya, insisting that “love doesn’t pay the bills.”
BY moses sagwe
