Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has been released on a sh.200,000 cash bail following his arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday over allegations of hate speech.
The legislator, who has been in police custody since May 16, appeared in court under tight security.
His defense team, led by lawyer Ken Echesa, strongly condemned the manner of his arrest, terming it “barbaric” and politically motivated.
“An individual shot at his car and arrested him without identification,” Echesa told the court, further alleging that the defense team was denied access to their client during his detention.
Echesa also requested the reinstatement of Salasya’s bodyguards, citing security concerns for the legislator, who has recently announced his intention to run for the presidency in 2027.
Outside the courtroom, the lawyer took a firm stand against what he termed the use of state security agencies to intimidate and silence leaders who are critical of the government.
“Using the police to abduct young leaders who have shown interest in the liberation of their country is uncalled for,” Echesa said.
“We urge our client to remain firm. The constitution protects his fundamental rights and freedoms including freedom of speech, movement, and the right to vie for any political office.”
Salasya, in his own account shared via a series of tweets on his official X account, recounted the dramatic events of his arrest.
According to him, a convoy of about 15 masked men allegedly officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) ambushed him after a rally in Isiolo.
He claimed the officers, armed with AK-47 rifles, opened fire on his vehicle, deflating its tyres, before overpowering and disarming his security team.
“They shot at my car and abducted me without any form of identification. This is not law enforcement it’s intimidation,” he wrote.
Despite the serious allegations, the court granted Salasya bail, allowing him temporary freedom as the case proceeds.
The charges relate to remarks he allegedly made in public, which the prosecution claims amounted to hate speech under Kenyan law.
This latest episode has further fueled speculation about politically charged arrests and the use of law enforcement to influence the political landscape, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon.
As the case continues, Salasya has vowed to press on with his political ambitions, insisting that no amount of intimidation will derail his mission to engage with and represent ordinary Kenyans.
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