Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Inspector General (IG) of Police to safeguard the independence of their offices, following what he termed as a politically motivated and forceful arrest last week.
Speaking on Tuesday in Limuru, Kiambu County, Salasya condemned the heavy-handed manner in which he was apprehended by officers allegedly attached to the DCI along the Isiolo-Nanyuki highway. He recounted being ambushed by over ten heavily armed officers who shot at his convoy and disarmed his security team. “It was surprising to see a small child like me being confronted by over 10 heavily armed police officers. How exactly did you expect me to react? You mean you have no mercy?” the MP remarked emotionally.
Salasya was arrested while returning from political engagements in Meru and Isiolo counties and later booked at Nairobi Central Police Station. On Monday, he was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts, where he denied charges of hate speech and incitement linked to a post on one of his X (formerly Twitter) accounts. The MP distanced himself from the post, arguing that he manages multiple accounts and could not confirm the origin of the content in question.
He was released on a cash bail of Sh200,000 or a bond of Sh500,000.
Salasya expressed concern over what he views as increasing attempts to criminalise political dissent. “Your offices are funded by public funds. You should not intimidate anyone for providing oversight,” he told the DCI and IG. “The Constitution gives you independence; don’t let political interference take that away.”
Referring to recent claims by other leaders, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and former Deputy President William Ruto, Salasya warned against the use of state security agencies to settle political scores.
Notably, on April 28, 2025, Salasya publicly announced his intention to vie for the presidency in the 2027 general election. His lawyer, Ken Echesa, told the court that the hate speech charges were fabricated to sabotage his client’s political ambitions.
Salasya’s arrest has sparked national debate over police conduct and the political neutrality of security agencies.
