Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya is a free man, after the Milimani Magistrate’s Court ordered for the withdrawal of a hate speech case against him following his compliance with court-issued directives.
Magistrate Paul Mutai, in a ruling delivered on Monday, February 2, noted that Salasya had sufficiently demonstrated participation in peace advocacy initiatives that reached at least 1,000 people within a period of two weeks, as required by the court.
Salasya had been facing charges originating from alleged inflammatory remarks made on his social media platforms in May 2025.
According to prosecutors, the MP was inciting ethnic hatred between communities. He was arrested and then later released on a Ksh200,000 cash bail. If convicted, Salasya risked a three-year jail term or a fine of up to Ksh1 million.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), in collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), had initially charged Salasya, with the matter set for conciliation talks. The efforts however collapsed in November 2025, as a result of the expiry of the NCIC commissioner’s term.
Prosecutor Virginia Kariuki, in court submissions, explained that the mediation process could not proceed. “The conciliation proceedings stalled following the expiry of the commission’s term.” She stated. This development prompted the magistrate to allow the proceeding of the case to a full trial.
In January 2026, Salasya was granted a reprieve after the court ruled that the charges could only be withdrawn if he carried out a public peace campaign and issued an apology. The court, despite an out-of-court agreement between Salasya and NCIC, insisted on strict compliance with its conditions.
The MP launched the peace campaign on 19th January, describing it as inclusive and non-partisan.
“This peace campaign will be non-partisan, inclusive and people-centered, bringing together youth, elders, faith leaders, women and community stakeholders across all regions of Kenya. Its sole purpose is to promote unity, coexistence, and stability”, he said.
Following the withdrawal of the case, Salasya reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and the rule of law, promising that he will continue to be an ambassador of peace, a defender of justice and a fearless voice for the people of Kenya.
