Mumias East Member of Parliament, Peter Salasya, found himself in legal trouble on Friday when he was arrested and detained at Shianda Police Station for attacking Malaha Ward Member of County Assembly, Peter Walunya, during a funeral in Kakamega County. The incident arose from a protocol disagreement between the two politicians.
Salasya was charged with two offenses, including assault causing actual bodily harm and creating a disturbance in a manner that breached section 95 (1) of the penal code, according to a police report obtained by TheAfricanWatch. Additionally, Salasya’s security detail was disarmed, and their firearms await ballistic analysis.
The MP was later released on Saturday after posting a cash bail of Ksh50,000. He is scheduled to appear before the SPM’s court in Mumias on Tuesday to answer to the charges.
The altercation unfolded during Salasya’s address at the funeral, as captured in a video seen by TheAfricanWatch. Salasya was given an opportunity to console the deceased’s family and share his history with them. However, a protocol disagreement arose when Malaha MCA Peter Walunya called for Salasya to observe decorum in his speech.
In response, Salasya demanded that Walunya take his seat and, when refused, shouted him down. The situation escalated, leading to Salasya slapping the MCA, with the MP’s bodyguards joining in and wrestling Walunya away. Salasya’s security detail also fired four gunshots during the chaotic melee, causing panic among the mourners.
The video of the incident has sparked reactions from various political leaders, including Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who expressed concern about the behavior of elected officials. Salasya has faced criticism in the past for his conduct at public events, raising questions about his suitability for public office.
This is not the first time Salasya has been involved in such confrontations. In November 2023, he was attacked by goons at a burial after addressing issues related to the sugar industry in the region. In May 2023, Salasya clashed with several MCAs who attempted to bar him from speaking at the funeral of former MCA Stephen Maloba in Khwisero.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya engaged in a physical altercation with a fellow politician during a funeral in Kakamega County on January 12, 2024.
Observers have consistently questioned Salasya’s actions, emphasizing the need for public officials to uphold decorum and responsible conduct. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the consequences for the Mumias East MP in this latest incident.