In the grand theatre that is Kenya's Political scene, drama is an everyday occurrence. Marred by chaos, goons, teargas, gunshots and well, accusations of scripting events for publicity, Kenyan politicians are infamously famous.
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya claims he was abducted and attacked by unidentified gunmen while travelling along the Isiolo-Nanyuki highway near Kisima area while on his campaign tour to seek Presidency.
The assailants, allegedly claiming to be Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers, ambushed his convoy, shot at his vehicle, and disarmed his security team.
In an update, Salasya wrote on his social media platforms, “I have just been attacked by unknown individuals claiming to be DCI officers,”.
He added, "They disarmed my security team, shot at my vehicle, and pursued me. One of my guards managed to help me flee into nearby bushes for safety.”
According to the vocal legislator, multiple vehicles intercepted his convoy, shot at the tires of his four-wheel drive, and immobilised the car. He said he was then taken by force to an undisclosed location.
“This was a well-coordinated operation. Who sent them? Why now? Kenya must stand for truth and justice. I am currently being taken to an unknown location, and I urge all relevant authorities and the public to take note of what is happening." said Salasya.
Salasya insisted that he has refrained from attacking the government in his public engagements and expressed concerns over the apparent targeting.
In another statement, the MP said:
“They emerged with at least 15 AK-47 rifles and confronted me with a chilling message—one I cannot disclose at this time for security reasons.”
Salasya was reportedly returning from political engagements in Meru and Isiolo and was headed to Nanyuki for a series of rallies when the incident occurred.
Police have denied involvement, saying they are investigating the incident. The motive of the incident is yet to be known.
This comes days after Salasya narrowly escaped arrest at a hotel in Mombasa on Saturday May 10, 2025 at night after residents confronted the police officers.
Speaking shortly after the Mombasa incident, MP Salasya said the men—who claimed to be police officers—failed to produce any identification documents or an arrest warrant. He condemned the attempted arrest.
“I want to categorically condemn the reckless, shameful, and cowardly attempt by unidentified individuals purporting to be police officers who stormed my hotel residence in Mombasa earlier today to unlawfully arrest me,” he wrote on his official X account.
“Let it be clear, this was not an arrest. It was a criminal act disguised as law enforcement—an attack not just on me as a Member of Parliament and 2027 presidential candidate, but on the democratic space of this nation.” He added.
On Monday, April 28, Salasya announced that he will seek the presidency in the next general election.
The first term MP said he made the decision after holding wide consultations and careful considerations.
Salsya also mentioned that the decision to run for the presidential bid is born out of a profound desire to offer bold, transformative leadership that will reposition Kenya for industrial growth, economic empowerment, and social justice.
“After deep reflection, wide consultations, and careful consideration of the state of our nation, I, Hon. Peter Kalerwa Salasya, the Member of Parliament for Mumias East Constituency, hereby declare my intention to vie for the Presidency of the Republic of Kenya in the 2027 General Election,” said Salasya.
Salasya noted that he would focus on industrialization which will in turn reduce unemployment from 35 per cent to a single digit.
The Mumias East MP also emphasized that he would have a keen look at inclusivity and ensure fairness across the nation.
At the same time, Salasya acknowledged that it will be tough to challenge seasoned politicians in the 2027 election.
“2027 won’t be a walk in the park. Skeptics will scoff. Pockets will be tight. Seasoned giants will come for me. But I’m ready. My ideas? Data-driven. Vision-fueled. Hope-inspired. For a nation SICK of empty talk, I’m bringing PLANS that deliver. Real change. Real results,” Salasya remarked.
The Mp has been on a Nationwide campaign tour-Familiarization- as he eyes ousting the incumbent and rising to the top seat.
