MP Peter Salasya Arrested & Released For Slapping Politician At Funeral [VIDEO]

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya was on Friday, January 12 arrested and detained at Shianda Police Station after allegedly assaulting a local politician during a funeral held in Kakamega County.

Salasya had attended a burial in the Malaha/Isongo/Makunga ward before encountering Malaha Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Walunya following a protocol disagreement.

The lawmaker, in a video seen by Viral Tea, was allowed to address the mourners as well as send his condolences to the deceased's family.

Here is the video:

MP Peter Salasya released on Ksh50,000 bail after being arrested for allegedly assaulting Malaha Ward MCA Peter Walunya during a funeral in Kakamega County pic.twitter.com/sExmjs5kBh — Marvin Chege (@marvin_chege10) January 13, 2024

"First and foremost, let me send my condolences to the family. I remember the family always made me feel welcome whenever I visited them.

"That's why I decided to come and console the family today. We pray that God will continue resting his soul in eternal peace. Thank you," Salasya stated as he wrapped up his speech.

The MP moments later got rattled on seeing Walunya who stood close by, urging Salasya to observe respect in his speech.

Salasya however shouted down the MP and demanded that Walunya take his seat, to which the politician declined.

"Tell this person to go sit down," he stated, which quickly attracted the attention of the crowd.

"I have told you to sit down, I'm repeating it, go sit down," the lawmaker demanded before moving to slap the politician.

The MP's bodyguards then moved in and wrestled the local leader away, with Salasya's security detail firing four gunshots in the ensuing melee, resulting in chaos as the mourners watched the politician kicked out of the event.

The saga drew reactions from Kenyans as well as political leaders who questioned Salasya's actions.

"Our leaders have gone mad. From an MP shooting a DJ to another one shooting a man dead, to others pitting rival goons against each other and now to this! Kenyan voters must seriously retrospect," Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale stated. 

"Is this what youthful leaders bring to the table? Why would a man slap someone who is literally in his world? Peter Salasya has let many of us down." another social media user commented.

Salasya was resultantly arrested and charged with assault, causing physical harm and creating a disturbance in a way that could lead to a breach of peace in line with section 95 (1) of the penal code. This is after an aggrieved Walunya filed a plaint at Shianda Police Station.

His bodyguards who allegedly discharged the four rounds were disarmed with their ammunition being lined up for ballistic analysis.

The lawmaker was however freed on Saturday, January 13 on a Ksh50,000 bail following his apprehension. 

He will be required to appear before SPM's court in Mumias on Tuesday, January 16 to answer to the 2 charges.