On May 16, 2025, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was arrested along the Isiolo-Nanyuki road following a political rally. Armed men, believed to be DCI officers, intercepted his convoy, fired at his vehicle’s tires, and took him into custody. Salasya claimed the arrest was an attempt to silence him due to his vocal 2027 presidential candidacy.
The arrest prompted strong reactions, with supporters and figures like Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah condemning the action. Detained at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, Salasya faced charges of hate speech and disseminating false information. His legal team criticized the arrest, arguing that the officers lacked a warrant and the process violated legal standards.
On May 19, 2025, Salasya appeared at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, but an error in the charge sheet delayed proceedings. The court granted him a Ksh 400,000 bond or a Ksh 200,000 cash bail, and he was released. His lawyer, Ian Mutiso, described the detention as unjust and committed to pursuing justice.
This was not Salasya’s first encounter with law enforcement. On May 10, he evaded an arrest attempt at a Mombasa hotel after supporters confronted individuals claiming to be police. Salasya maintained that these incidents would not deter his efforts to engage with Kenyans or shift his focus from public service.
Social media platforms reflected divided opinions, with some Kenyans supporting Salasya, viewing him as unfairly targeted, while others criticized his speeches as the basis for the charges. The arrest has sparked discussions about freedom of expression and potential political suppression ahead of the 2027 elections.
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