Presidential aspirant and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya narrowly escaped an alleged arrest attempt on Friday night at a hotel in Mombasa.
According to eyewitnesses and footage reviewed by Newshub.co.ke, the lawmaker was reportedly targeted by a group of unidentified men, who claimed to be police officers, but failed to produce any official identification.
The incident took place late in the evening when several masked men dressed in plain clothes showed up at the hotel where the MP was staying.
Salasya, speaking after the incident, said that the individuals did not present any identification and were travelling in a vehicle that lacked number plates, making the entire situation highly suspicious.
Videos recorded by some of Salasya’s supporters at the scene show armed men, some in uniform and others in civilian clothes, being confronted and forced to leave by an angry crowd of residents.
The supporters can be heard shouting defiantly at the men, insisting that they had no right to arrest the MP. One supporter is heard saying, “You cannot arrest Salasya,” while another yells, “A gun will not silence us.”
The true identity and purpose of the individuals remains unclear, as they reportedly did not have any form of arrest warrant or proper documentation.
The lack of transparency has raised serious concerns about the legality and motive behind the attempted arrest.
Salasya later addressed the incident through his official social media channels on Saturday, May 10. He described the attempted arrest as illegal and a direct violation of the law, calling it a “shameful and cowardly act” carried out by people pretending to be police officers.
“I strongly condemn the reckless, shameful, and cowardly attempt by unknown individuals claiming to be police officers who stormed my hotel room in Mombasa today, trying to arrest me unlawfully without presenting any warrant,” Salasya wrote.
He further emphasized that what happened was not a legitimate arrest, but rather a criminal act disguised as law enforcement.
“This was not a lawful arrest—it was a calculated and dangerous move aimed at threatening and silencing a Member of Parliament and a declared presidential candidate for 2027.
It’s not just an attack on me but on the broader democratic freedoms in this country,” he added.
Salasya has since demanded that investigative authorities take swift action to identify those behind the operation and determine who authorized such an attempt.
He insists that the rule of law must be upheld and that no one is above the law, even in matters involving political opposition.
The MP believes the alleged arrest attempt may be politically motivated, especially after his recent announcement that he intends to run for president in the 2027 general elections.
His bold declaration to challenge President William Ruto and other top political figures has sparked nationwide discussions.
Despite the confrontation and attempted arrest, Salasya remains defiant. He says he will not be intimidated or silenced by threats.
He has vowed to continue championing the rights of Kenyans and pushing his political agenda without fear.
“To those who orchestrated this, hear me clearly—you will not silence me. You will not scare me into giving up.
No amount of threats, harassment, or attempted abductions will stop me from representing the voices of ordinary Kenyans and demanding justice and fairness in our country,” Salasya stated.
He also revealed that he will be beefing up his personal security starting next month as he plans to begin popularizing his presidential bid in Siaya County in June.
“I will start popularising my 2027 presidential campaign in Siaya next month. I have every right as a Kenyan to travel, speak, and campaign anywhere in the country,” he affirmed.
Salasya’s announcement comes at a time when several high-profile political figures have also declared their interest in the presidency.
These include Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang’i, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
The unfolding events highlight growing political tension in the country as the 2027 elections draw closer, with Salasya positioning himself as a bold, unshaken voice against impunity and authoritarian tactics.
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