Embattled Mumias East Member of Parliament and presidential hopeful Peter Salsya might have to stay longer behind bars following his apprehension on Friday last week.
Salasya, who has been behind bars at Central Police Station in Nairobi, had his case deferred to a later period of hearing at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi after an error in the presiding judge's charge sheet.
The developments were confirmed by the lawmaker's aide, who gave an update on his social media accounts, decrying what he termed as malicious attempts to frustrate the youthful legislator.
''Hon. Peter Salasya was arraigned at Milimani Law Courts. His legal team waited outside Court 6 all morning, but the magistrate announced an error in the judge's sheet. The case has now been moved to Court 2, and we have to wait. Seems someone is managing this matter," the aide confirmed.
Salasya has been behind bars for the last three nights for what authorities confirmed was hate speech during his public appearances.
As per the MP, he was ambushed by individuals he claims were officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at the Isiolo-Nanyuki road after addressing a rally in Isiolo.
On Friday, following his detention, his lawyers' efforts to secure bail for him were unsuccessful over what they indicated were 'orders from above', indicating the likelihood of political interference.
''Salasya remains detained at Central Police Station. His lawyers’ efforts to secure cash bail have been unsuccessful, with police citing “orders from above” to keep him in custody,'' his aide confirmed.
While narrating details of the Friday ambush, Salasya said that the officers opened an ambush at his convoy, adding that they were masked men with AK-47 rifles.
Salasya revealed that the alleged officers proceeded to disarm his bodyguards, confiscating their armour, even as he initially managed to flee.
Salasya, who recently declared his 2027 presidential bid, responded to his recent tribulations by clarifying that his nationwide campaign was not aimed at attacking the government. He questioned the motive behind the alleged targeting, insisting his agenda has been focused on engaging with citizens, not undermining state authorities.
A week earlier, on May 11, he narrowly escaped an alleged apprehension at a Mombasa hotel after residents confronted the said police officers.
According to videos and pictures seen by Kenyans.co.ke, several men wearing plain clothes and masks are seen at the hotel where the MP was residing.
The men, who identified as police officers, could not provide any identification, according to Salasya. Their vehicle had no number plates, raising suspicions over their attempt to apprehend the legislator.
However, Salasya was later arraigned at Milimani Law Courts for hate speech, where he denied the charges and was freed on Ksh400,000 bond or Ksh200,000 cash bail.
