‘I had options but chose peace’, MP Peter Salasya speaks after Nyayo Stadium attack

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has reiterated that he chose peace over retaliation after his attack at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The MP, who thanked a section of Kenyans who stood with him to condemn the incident, claimed that his attack was planned earlier on by his perpetrators who are agitated by his political stand.

Salasya stated that he had an option of going to the stadium with his armed security detail but he chose to attend the match as a common mwananchi yet goons were sent to attack him.

“Kenyans watch listen and judge.  I want to thank Kenyans for standing with me in solidarity. What happened yesterday was planned. The leaders took advantage because I mobilised Kenyans to come to Nyayo before they did,” he stated.

“I know football brings Kenyans together and people put their ideologies aside and support the national team. I didn’t come with my bodyguard nor was I armed. I was with a friend who tagged along,” he added.

The legislator stated that he had an option of going in the middle of the field and having the match postponed or halted for a couple of minutes but he chose patriotism.

According to the MP, the story would have been different if it were not his choice of patriotism during the World Cup qualifier match between Kenya and Gabon.

“I had options but I chose to be patriotic. I had an option of stopping the game by sitting at the middle of the field. We could be telling a different story today. If we could start a mob justice (sic), we could be having a stampede. If I had my body guards, there could be firing and that would have been a disaster,” Salasya said.

The MP says if it was not planned by his opponents, the people seen in the video following him from the entrance would have stopped after chanting abuses to him but they followed him all the way until he left the stadium.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi condemned his attack which he termed as disrespectful.

Mudavadi, who doubles as the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, said yesterday’s incident signifies division which is unfortunate.

“What happened to Salasya at Nyayo Stadium is unfortunate. Political intolerance undermines the very foundation of our democracy, which relies on the ability to engage with differing views,” Mudavadi stated.

He warned Kenyans that no one would build a peaceful nation for them as he added that division risks tearing the country.

“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. 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,” he added.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya warned that such acts of violence are a blatant violation of the rule of law and an affront to Kenyans’ democratic principles.

“Kenya is a sovereign democratic republic founded on constitutional values that guarantee every citizen the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Among these rights is the freedom of expression and political association (Article 33 & 38), which must be upheld and protected at all times. This heinous act constitutes a grave violation of an individual’s right to freely support or oppose any political party or ideology without fear of intimidation or violence,” he said.

“As a nation, we must collectively condemn such actions that threaten our democracy and erode the principles of tolerance and political coexistence. I urge all Kenyans to respect and uphold the democratic rights of others, as provided for in our Constitution. We must strive for a Kenya where differences in political opinion do not breed hostility, but rather foster healthy debate and national progress. It is time to move beyond retrogressive ideologies and work together to build a nation anchored in respect, peace, and unity,” Natembeya added.

However, other leaders crticised him for terming the attack as tribal.

According to Suba North Member of Parliament Milly Odhiambo, it was wrong for Salasya to narrow down to Luos as the ones who attacked him.

“Rigathi Gachagua, former Deputy President, was beaten at a funeral in Kiambu. We condemned the hooligans. We did not make it tribal. Salasya was beaten and chased through a farm in his own constituency. We condemned the hooligans without making it tribal. Salasya has been beaten today. Suddenly, ‘it’s these uncircumcised Luos,” she stated.

The National Assembly Minority Whip warned against growing political and ethnic intolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

She advised Salasya to keep his security intact as he knows the nature of Kenyan politics.

“All politicians know that by the nature of politics in Kenya, you have to have security, especially in public places. You must also not compromise yourself too often with chemical agents as a leader. Salasya is careless with his security, and he needs to enhance it for his own good, whether in Western or Nairobi,” she advised.

While it is unclear why he was thrown out, the crowd was heard calling him to respect President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.