Mudavadi condemns attack on Salasya, calls for respect

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has condemned the Sunday attack on Mumias East MP Peter Salasya that happened minutes before a football match between Harambee Stars and Gabon at Nyayo Stadium.

Mudavadi said political intolerance undermines the foundation of the country’s democracy, which, he added, relies on the ability to engage with differing views.

“What happened to Peter Salasya at Nyayo Stadium today is unfortunate. We won’t always agree, and that’s okay. But respect, dialogue, and unity must remain non-negotiable,” he said.

Mudavadi emphasized that respect must be given and also earned.

He pointed out that only Kenyans can build the nation, adding that if the citizens let division win, they risk tearing down everything they hope to build.

“A house divided cannot stand. Let’s choose reason over chaos and maturity over noise. Kenya’s future depends on it,” the Prime CS said.

During the Sunday incident, Salasya was attending the sold-out match between Harambee Stars and Gabon when a group of rowdy youths attacked him.

In videos seen by The Star, the legislator, who was wearing an AFC Leopards jersey, is seen being manhandled by rowdy youths who pushed him toward the exit of Nyayo Stadium.

Others were seen throwing objects at him, while a few tried to protect him from the attacks.

In another video, police are seen responding to the situation, whisking him away from the irate crowd.

The crowd follows closely, with some heard saying, “Lazima aheshimu Raila,” which translates to, “He (Salasya) must respect Raila".

After the attack, a composed Salasya took to X, where he only posted the word “Noted.”

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi also condemned the actions, saying justice must be served.

“This is uncouth, uncalled for, and lugubrious. Whoever planned this against Salasya must be brought to book. It must stop,” he said.

“Freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed in our constitution. We may not agree with how he does things, but this is a young man trying his luck in life.”