NAIROBI, Kenya- Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has condemned Sunday’s attack on Mumias East MP Peter Salasya at Nyayo National Stadium, terming the incident “unfortunate” and a dangerous signal of growing political intolerance in the country.
Salasya was forcefully ejected from the stadium by a group of rowdy football fans during the FIFA World Cup qualifier between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Gabon.
Videos circulated online show a visibly shaken Salasya being heckled and pushed before security personnel intervened to escort him to safety.
In a strongly-worded statement, Mudavadi decried the incident as an affront to democratic values, cautioning Kenyans against allowing political differences to spiral into violence.
“What happened to Hon. Peter Salasya at Nyayo Stadium today is unfortunate. Political intolerance undermines the very foundation of our democracy, which relies on the ability to engage with differing views,” Mudavadi said.
What happened to Hon. Peter Salasya at Nyayo Stadium today is unfortunate. Political intolerance undermines the very foundation of our democracy, which relies on the ability to engage with differing views.We won’t always agree, and that’s okay. But respect, dialogue, and unity
He emphasized the need for respectful engagement, urging Kenyans to embrace dialogue over confrontation.
“We won’t always agree, and that’s okay. But respect, dialogue, and unity must remain non-negotiable. Respect must be given, but it must also be earned,” he added.
Mudavadi warned that persistent division and intolerance would jeopardize the country’s progress and stability, appealing for unity across the political spectrum.
“Fellow Kenyans, no one else will build this nation for us. If we let division win, we risk tearing down everything we hope to build. A house divided cannot stand. Let’s choose reason over chaos, and maturity over noise. Kenya’s future depends on it,” he said.
A section of leaders echoed his sentiments, including Martha Karua, who took to social media to denounce the attack.
When you see my senior speak like this just know it is boiling nicely from within. But he will have alot of explanation to mulembe nation before we listen to him!
Sunday’s confrontation adds to a string of controversies involving MP Salasya, who has previously clashed with fellow leaders and citizens.
In November 2024, he was accosted by supporters of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa during a church fundraiser after criticizing county leadership.
Despite his combative political style, leaders have called for restraint, warning that no leader deserves to face violence or humiliation in public spaces.
Police are yet to release a statement on the incident.
Those who attacked the MP accused him of disrespecting the ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto- both of whom were attending the football match.
Kenya lost to Gabon.
Assault of MP Peter Salasya at Nyayo Stadium is TERRORISM! If those that attacked the MP who are captured on camera aren’t arrested & charged with TERRORISM, then National Police is politically partisan. You cannot allow national leaders to be attacked by domestic terrorists!
