What Awaits MP Peter Salasya as Hate Speech Case Moves to Full Trial
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya is now facing a full trial over allegations of hate speech after reconciliation talks with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) failed to take off.
The case, which has been under review for months, will now proceed to a full hearing scheduled for January 17, 2026.
This decision was made by Senior Resident Magistrate Paul Mutai, who noted that the mediation process could not continue due to the expiry of NCIC commissioners’ term before the conciliation could begin.
During the court session, prosecutor Virginia Kariuki informed the magistrate that the NCIC—an independent body responsible for promoting national cohesion and investigating hate-related offenses—was unable to fulfill its role in mediating the matter because its official mandate had expired.
“The conciliation proceedings stalled following the expiry of the Commission’s term,” Kariuki explained, adding that without an active commission, the process could not move forward.
Following her submission, the magistrate directed that the case now proceed to a full trial.
Earlier, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had requested that the case be referred to the NCIC to allow the commission to review and possibly mediate before deciding the next course of action.
The NCIC’s role in such cases is usually limited to reviewing facts and making recommendations, not determining whether the accused is guilty or innocent.
If found guilty, the legislator faces serious penalties under the National Cohesion and Integration Act (2008), which prescribes a maximum sentence of three years in prison, or a fine of up to Ksh1 million, or both.
However, there are ongoing proposals to amend the hate speech laws, which could lead to tougher penalties.
The National Cohesion and Integration (Amendment) Bill, 2022 seeks to impose up to ten years in jail or a fine of Ksh10 million for individuals convicted of spreading hate speech through traditional or digital media.
Additionally, the Bill proposes that any person found guilty of hate speech be barred from holding public office for five years after conviction.
The charges against Salasya stem from alleged inflammatory social media posts made in May, which prosecutors claim were directed at members of two ethnic communities.
According to the charge sheet, the MP knowingly published statements on his X (formerly Twitter) account that were meant to insult, incite, and provoke ethnic hatred between the groups.
Initially, the court had referred the case back to the NCIC and scheduled a mention date to receive an update on the commission’s findings.
However, since the NCIC’s mandate expired before it could begin its review, the magistrate has now ordered that the case proceed to full trial without further delay.
This development means that MP Peter Salasya will have to defend himself in court against the hate speech charges, marking a crucial stage in the legal battle that could determine both his political career and public standing.
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