Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has recounted the harrowing ordeal after being attacked and forcibly ejected from Nyayo Stadium during Harambee Stars World Cup qualifier match against Gabon.
The legislator, who had attended the game to show support for the national team, found himself at the centre of a violent altercation that led to his abrupt exit.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Monday, March 24, 2025, Salasya expressed his gratitude to Kenyans who sympathized with him following the incident. He noted that his post about the attack garnered over 1.5 million views in a short period, a response he interpreted as a show of solidarity from the public.
“I want to start by thanking Kenyans for standing with me. On my Facebook account, when I posted about what I went through, and within a short period, it had over 1.5 million views. That means Kenyans love me. I was trending everywhere, on Instagram, X, and TikTok. As I say, Kenyans watch and they judge. What happened yesterday was planned. I remember I was the one who told people to come to Nyayo. I was the leader who first made a statement about the game at Nyayo before any leader did,” he shared.
The MP claimed that the attack was premeditated, explaining that he had been closely monitored from the moment he arrived at the stadium. According to him, an individual warned him at the entrance, and a group of about ten people persistently followed him around the stadium, hurling insults as they closed in.
Salasya further explained that he attended the match without a security detail, accompanied only by a friend, as he viewed the game as a unifying event for the nation. However, as the confrontation escalated, attackers struck him with a trash bin while his security team attempted to shield him from further harm.
“They took advantage of that, they knew I would be there. Football brings people together as a country, so I did not bring bodyguards, just a friend to enjoy the game and support. The moment I entered, there was person who warned me at the gate, there was someone who was following me, and even when I went to the VIP, he was still following me. The other guys, they were like ten guys, they were just somewhere following me, throwing insults as they approached,” Salasya shared.
Beaten
The commotion created a tense atmosphere, with some spectators shouting at the MP, demanding that he show respect for President William Ruto. Chants of “Heshimu rais” (Respect the President) echoed through the stands as the chaos unfolded.
The situation deteriorated rapidly, forcing security detail to intervene and escort him out of the stadium. Videos circulating online captured the legislator, clad in an AFC Leopards jersey, rushing toward his car as his bodyguards ensured his safety.
Salasya, who had earlier encouraged fans to attend the match at Nyayo Stadium, lamented the violence, stating that it could have led to injuries among spectators or even the postponement of the crucial game between Kenya and Gabon.
“It could have caused many lives at Nyayo stadium and may be postponed of the coveted game Kenya vs Gabon,” he said.
