Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was on Monday freed on a Ksh.200,000 cash bail following his arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts over alleged hate speech. His dramatic arrest and subsequent court appearance sparked controversy and concern from his legal team and supporters, who decried the handling of the matter.
Salasya’s lawyer, Ken Echesa, told the court that the legislator was apprehended in what he termed a “barbaric manner.” He claimed that Salasya’s vehicle was shot at by unidentified individuals who failed to identify themselves before taking him into custody. Echesa further revealed that he and fellow lawyers were denied access to their client during the early stages of his detention.
In a plea to the court, the defense also requested the immediate reinstatement of Salasya’s security detail, citing concerns for his safety following the violent nature of his arrest.
Outside the courtroom, Echesa criticized what he perceived as the growing trend of using state security agencies to silence vocal political figures. “Using the police to abduct young leaders, who have shown interest in the liberation of their country is uncalled for,” he stated, adding that Salasya’s arrest appeared politically motivated and aimed at undermining his 2027 political aspirations.
Narrating his ordeal, Salasya recounted the events of May 16 when he was allegedly ambushed by about 15 masked men believed to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). According to the MP, the heavily armed men intercepted his convoy along the highway after an engagement in Isiolo, fired at his vehicle to deflate its tyres, and disarmed his security team before taking him away.
Taking to social media, Salasya accused state agencies of intimidation and vowed to remain vocal in his political pursuits. His legal team reiterated that he remains protected under the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, movement, and political participation.
As the case proceeds, the arrest of MP Salasya has drawn attention to the perceived misuse of security forces and the shrinking space for political dissent in Kenya.
