Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has advised young people to live within their means and avoid portraying a luxurious lifestyle on social media while struggling financially in reality.
Speaking during an interview with a NTV on Friday, January 31, 2025, Salasya noted that many young people feel pressured to maintain an extravagant image online, even when their finances do not support it.
“The biggest problem affecting youth today is the urge to showcase a lavish lifestyle. I always tell people: live within your means. The moment you fail to do so, you will struggle financially,” Salasya stated.
He cautioned against reckless spending, particularly on unnecessary luxuries, warning that it could lead to financial ruin.
“You must be mindful of your finances. Only spend on what is necessary and avoid unnecessary expenditures,” he advised.
Salasya expressed concern over the growing trend of people leading double lives—projecting wealth and success on social media while struggling in real life.
He reflected on his own humble beginnings, sharing how he navigated financial challenges as a student at Egerton University.
“I accepted my situation back then. I lived in a Ksh1,500 rental house, and even that was considered expensive because some people told me it should have been Ksh600 per month,” he recalled.
“When I was elected to Parliament, I was living in a house that cost me Ksh4,500 in rent per month.”
On January 15, 2025, Salasya reunited with a shopkeeper from his university days who used to sell him essential items on credit.
Taking to Instagram, the legislator shared a video of the emotional reunion at the Nakuru shop, where he used to buy household essentials on credit ten years ago.
He identified the shopkeeper as Jimmy, who frequently allowed him to take items such as soap and tea leaves on credit when he was struggling financially.
Salasya also reminisced about their spirited political debates, noting that Jimmy supported former President Uhuru Kenyatta, while he himself was an ardent supporter of Raila Odinga.
“I just met Jimmy after 10 years—the man who used to let me buy items on credit, including soap for Ksh15 and tea leaves in Nakuru. He reminded me how we would argue when he supported Uhuru, and I backed Raila, my political idol at the time,” Salasya wrote.
He encouraged young people not to lose hope despite their struggles, reminding them that life is a journey filled with challenges and growth.
“Never give up, even in your lowest moments. Hope should never die within you.”
