Chaos broke out in Mosoriot, Nandi County, after police officers disrupted a public rally by Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya, claiming the event lacked the necessary permit. The dramatic scene unfolded on Thursday as Salasya addressed residents from a convoy of vehicles before security officers moved in, dispersing the gathering with teargas.
The interruption angered residents, who insisted they wanted to hear from the legislator. Amidst the confusion, Salasya voiced his frustration: “Si nyinyi wananchi wote mnaona, Salasya hajatusi mtu yeyote lakini wanapiga marisasi,” he declared, as the crowd cheered and urged him to continue.
Taking to social media soon after, the youthful MP decried what he termed as state intimidation. He condemned the use of force on peaceful citizens, saying it was unacceptable to silence political voices. “Threats and intimidation are cowardice. Why teargas the peaceful people of Mosoriot when they want to listen to me? It is unacceptable! Rift Valley pia ni Kenya,” he posted.
Salasya, who has been traversing various parts of the country in what appears to be an early campaign push for the presidency, was forced to flee the area and head towards West Indies as police pursued him. Officers later stated that the MP was required to obtain a permit before holding public meetings.
This is the second such incident involving Salasya in under a week. Just days earlier, a similar disruption occurred in Isiolo County, leading to his arrest. He was later arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on hate speech charges and released on a cash bail of Ksh.200,000.
The back-to-back incidents have sparked concerns among Salasya’s supporters and civil rights groups over the rising tension between security agencies and political leaders. Many argue that the right to assemble and express oneself is protected under Kenya’s Constitution, and any suppression undermines democratic freedoms.
As Salasya vows to continue his nationwide engagements, it remains to be seen how law enforcement and political authorities will navigate the growing wave of grassroots political mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.
