Peter Salasya Drags Gachagua and Natembeya Into Police Mess in His First Rally After Release
Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya held his first public rally on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, following his release from police custody. During the address in Limuru, Kiambu County, Salasya launched a scathing attack on senior police officials and invoked the names of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in a bid to highlight what he described as growing political intimidation and abuse of power by law enforcement.
Salasya, who had been arrested and later released on bail after being charged with hate speech, used the platform to accuse the police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of politically motivated harassment. He specifically mentioned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin, holding them accountable for his violent arrest and accusing them of misusing public resources.
In his remarks, Salasya warned that the country was heading in a dangerous direction if state institutions continued to be used to suppress dissent. He claimed that the National Police Service and the DCI were being manipulated to advance political interests rather than uphold the law.
“I was shocked to see over ten heavily armed police officers sent after me, a young MP. What did they expect me to do? Was I a threat that warranted such force?” he asked.
Salasya went on to mention that the same kind of forceful tactics had been employed against other leaders, including Governor George Natembeya and, allegedly, plans targeting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He warned that such actions, if left unchecked, would set a dangerous precedent for political policing.
“Let what happened to me, to Natembeya, and what you had planned for Rigathi never happen again. These institutions are supposed to protect Kenyans—not harass or intimidate them,” he said.
Addressing the Inspector General directly, Salasya stated that the police should operate independently and not as an extension of the executive arm. He reminded the police chief that his office, though appointed by the President, is constitutionally independent and must not be used to settle political scores.
“Inspector General, remember that the vehicles you use, your salary, even the house you live in—all are funded by the people. Yours is an independent office. Do not let yourself be used. In just two years, we may have a new government, and you must be ready to serve it with the same impartiality,” Salasya said.
The MP also called out DCI Director Mohamed Amin, accusing him of unfairly targeting opposition voices. He urged Amin to treat all Kenyans equally and to refrain from criminalising political oversight.
“Amin, you were appointed to serve all Kenyans, and your salary is paid by taxpayers. Do your job with integrity. Do not criminalise people just because they are offering oversight. Even President Ruto once said the opposition has a job to do. Let that principle be respected,” Salasya stated.
The rally marked Salasya’s first major political appearance following his release from police custody. On Monday, May 19, 2025, he was granted a cash bail of Ksh200,000 or a surety bond of Ksh500,000 by the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. He had been charged with publishing hate speech contrary to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Act.
According to the charge sheet, the lawmaker is accused of publishing inciteful remarks on May 10, 2025, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. The post in question allegedly read:
“Luos are number one enemies of Luhya people. We must fight back this narrative of Luos, or they sink us. They are in gvt but still fighting an innocent person. Ama tuwatahiri iishe.”
The prosecution claims the remarks were calculated to stir ethnic animosity between the Luhya and Luo communities. The exact location of the post’s origin is unknown, but authorities argue that the language used was inflammatory and violated hate speech laws.
Salasya has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court scheduled the case for mention and further directions on June 4, 2025.
He was arrested on Friday, May 16, 2025, along the Isiolo-Nanyuki highway and was held at Nairobi Central Police Station before his court appearance.
In his rally speech, Salasya criticized the excessive use of force during his arrest, framing it as a show of intimidation rather than justice. He argued that security officers are expected to protect citizens and enforce the law with fairness, not weaponize it against political figures.
“You were given those offices to serve the people, not to threaten them,” Salasya declared. “Let this be the last time we see this kind of intimidation.”
The MP’s remarks, especially his references to Natembeya and Gachagua, signal an effort to link his experience to a broader pattern of alleged political suppression. While Gachagua serves as the Deputy President under the Kenya Kwanza administration, Salasya’s comments suggest that even high-ranking figures are not immune to the alleged misuse of law enforcement powers.
Salasya, a member of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), has previously declared his interest in contesting the presidency in 2027. His confrontation with law enforcement may further position him as a vocal critic of the current administration and its treatment of dissenting voices.
As his legal proceedings continue, the political implications of his statements are expected to attract further national attention. Whether the accusations he has made lead to institutional scrutiny or political realignment remains to be seen.
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Peter Salasya Drags Gachagua and Natembeya Into Police Mess in His First Rally After Release