Court Directs Mumias East MP Peter Salasya to Publicly Apologize in Ongoing Hate Speech Case
In a ruling delivered on January 19, 2026, at the Milimani Magistrate's Court, Magistrate Paul Mutai ordered Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya to issue a public apology and take part in a social media peace campaign. This directive stems from an out-of-court agreement reached between the MP and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The hate speech charges against Salasya were filed in May 2025. Prosecutors accuse him of posting inflammatory and insulting remarks on Facebook that targeted members of a specific community, allegedly stirring up ethnic tensions.
During the court session, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), represented by Prosecutor Nora Achieng, requested withdrawal of the case. The application was based on the reconciliation agreement between Salasya and the NCIC, which was intended to resolve the matter amicably without a full trial.
However, Magistrate Mutai declined to approve the withdrawal immediately. The court insisted that Salasya must first fulfill the agreed conditions—issuing the public apology and joining the peace initiative on social media—before any discontinuation could be considered. Once these steps are completed, the prosecution will present evidence as required.
The case has been scheduled for mention on February 2, 2026, when the court will review whether the MP has complied with the orders. If Salasya fails to meet the requirements, the proceedings are expected to continue toward a full hearing.
This development follows earlier attempts at reconciliation through the NCIC, which had previously been involved in reviewing the matter after referrals from the court. The ruling underscores the judiciary's emphasis on accountability and adherence to any agreed settlements in cases involving potential ethnic incitement.
