The attack on Mumias East MP Peter Salasya on Sunday, which took place only minutes before a football game between the Harambee Stars and Gabon at Nyayo Stadium, has been denounced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Political intolerance, according to Mudavadi, erodes the basis of the nation’s democracy, which depends on the capacity to interact with people who hold different opinions.
“It is regrettable what occurred to Peter Salasya at Nyayo Stadium today. It’s acceptable that we won’t always agree. However, he stated that unity, respect, and communication must not be compromised.
Mudavadi stressed that respect needs to be earned as well as given.
Only Kenyans can build the country, he said, adding that if the populace allows division to prevail, they run the risk of destroying everything they have worked so hard to achieve.
Salasya was accosted by a bunch of boisterous young people on Sunday while he was at the Harambee Stars vs. Gabon game, which was packed out.
Videos show the lawmaker, who was sporting an AFC Leopards jersey, getting beaten by unruly kids who shoved him out of Nyayo Stadium.
Some attempted to shield him from the assaults, while others were observed hurling objects at him.
Another video shows cops coming to the scene and removing him from the angry mob.
Following closely behind, some members of the audience can be heard uttering the phrase “Lazima aheshimu Raila,” which means “He (Salasya) must respect Raila.”
Following the assault, a calm Salasya posted only the word “Noted” on X.
Caleb Amisi, a Saboti MP, denounced the acts as well and stated that justice must be done.
