NAIROBI, Kenya – What was supposed to be a thrilling World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Gabon took a chaotic turn when Mumias East MP Peter Salasya found himself at the center of a stadium scuffle.
The legislator, known for his outspoken nature, was forcibly ejected by an irate crowd in scenes that quickly went viral.
Salasya’s Sudden Ejection Sparks Stadium Drama
Salasya, who had joined thousands of fans at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, March 23, had a nightmare of an afternoon as his time in the stands was cut short.
Video footage circulating online shows the MP struggling to free himself from an aggressive crowd that pushed him toward the stadium’s exit.
MP Peter Salasya kicked out of Nyayo stadium by a group of rowdy youths who were heard telling him to respect ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto .
At one point, tensions escalated as some fans attempted to physically assault him, with one person even hurling a plastic container in his direction.
The confrontation spilled over to the stadium’s parking lot, where a swarm of supporters continued to urge him to leave.
While the exact reason for the hostility remains unclear, some in the crowd were heard chanting “Respect the President,” hinting at possible political tensions between Salasya and President William Ruto, who was also in attendance.
Security Breakdown and Gate Breach Add to the Chaos
The drama wasn’t limited to Salasya’s ejection. Earlier in the day, Nyayo Stadium’s security faced a major challenge as hundreds of eager fans stormed past security checkpoints, bringing down a gate to gain entry.
The lack of sufficient ticket-scanning stations only made matters worse, leading to long queues and rising frustration among those who had legally purchased tickets.
Security personnel appeared overwhelmed, unable to contain the growing crowd.
The disorder raised concerns about event management at major sporting fixtures, especially in light of Kenya’s ambitions to host larger international competitions.
Following the incident, Salasya took to social media with a cryptic response, simply writing, “Noted.”
While he didn’t elaborate, the comment suggested he was brushing off the incident—or perhaps plotting his next move.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding his removal has fueled debate online, with opinions divided on whether the crowd’s actions were justified or crossed the line.
As Kenya continues to push for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sunday’s off-field drama serves as a reminder that passion for football in the country sometimes spills over in unexpected—and chaotic—ways.
