Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya was arrested after assaulting a Kakamega Member of County Assembly on Friday, January 12.
However, the first time MP has since been released on a Ksh50,000 cash bail pending his arraignment on Tuesday, January 16.
The police revealed in a statement that Salasya is likely to be charged with causing actual bodily harm and assault, a violation of section 251 of the penal code.
According to the statement, the MP further faces charges of creating disturbance in a manner that could lead to a peace breach.
Salasya came under harsh criticism after a video footage showing him slap Malaha MCA Peter Walunya during a funeral function surfaced online.
In the footage seen by The Kenya Times, the first time MP was addressing mourners when the unfortunate incident happened.
The MP can be heard instructing the then unidentified victim to take a seat as he addressed the audience.
“Wee enda kaa chini sasa, enda kaa chini! Nani enda kaa chini! Enda kaa chini,” shouted the MP, which loosely translates to, “Go and sit now!”
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Hell broke loose when the then unidentified politician hesitated to heed the MP’s instructions, prompting Salasya to descend on him with a thunderous slap.
Reactions to Salasya’s incident
The viral video has since elicited reactions from politicians and Kenyans who questioned Salasya’s actions.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale while reacted to the incident highlighting other altercations involving politicians.
“Our leaders have gone mad. From an MP shooting a DJ, to others pitting rival goons against each & now to this! Kenyan voters must seriously retrospect,” he said.
Another social media user reacted by calling out National Assembly leader Moses Wetangula to intervene.
Jack Ndunya noted, “Hon Wetangula, as a speaker, you have the power and authority to discipline rogue MPs, summon the MP and if possible, suspend him from parliament for 6 months.
On the other hand, a section of Kenyans condemned the act calling for Salasya to display leadership skills.
“Violence against the public is unacceptable. This incident is deeply concerning, and our leaders should set an example of respect and restraint,” said Cornel Kiptoo.
Dan Mogire, while acknowledging the MP as a great leader, noted that he however needs to work on his emotions.
“Hon. Peter salasya is always led by emotions and not strategy and that’s what will dim his political career. Friends, talk to this gentleman, he’s a good guy,” he noted.
Salasya threatens magistrate
In November 2023, the MP reportedly threatened to kill a magistrate who had ordered him to pay a businessman Ksh.500,000 that he owed.
Salasya was directed to pay Robert Lutta the hefty debt by Kakamega Small Claims Court Magistrate Gladys Kiama.
The debt was to be paid with interest and cost of the case after Lutta filed a case against the legislator.
Following the ruling, the first-time parliamentarian confronted Magistrate Kiama outside the courtroom and threatened to kill her.
Also Read: Mumias Mp Salasya Blames Senior Politician for His Attack
“At around 1230 hours while at Kakamega Law Courts, having delivered a judgement in a small claim matter vide case no. SSC E541/2023 against Hon. Peter Salasya, MP for Mumias East Constituency where he had been sued for failing to refund the money loaned to him by the claimant. He confronted her outside the courtroom and threatened to kill her and then took off,” read a report filed at the Kakamega Police Station.
Attack by goons
Also in November 2023, MP Salasya was attacked by goons at a political event in Mumias West, Kakamega County.
The legislator was seen in a viral video addressing residents before what seemed like a fight ensued thence disrupting the political gathering.
As such, Salasya was whisked away by his security personnel to safety.
According to reports, the MP was speaking over the state of the sugar industry in the region while defending the Mumias Company investor against the farmers’ wishes.
He then proceeded to call out those who disagreed with him on the issue causing the scuffle.
However, while reacting to the incident, Peter Salasya blamed Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa for his attack claiming he sponsored the goons to attack him.
