Update: Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was arrested and detained at Shianda Police Station on Friday after attacking Malaha MCA Peter Walunya during a funeral in Kakamega County.
According to a police report obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the MP was charged with two offenses including assault causing actual bodily harm and creating a disturbance in a manner that breached section 95 (1) of the penal code.
Salasya's security detail was also disarmed while their firearms await ballistic analysis.
The MP was later released on Saturday on a cash bail of Ksh50,000. He will be required to appear before SPM's court in Mumias on Tuesday to answer to the 2 charges.
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Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya on Friday attacked Malaha Ward Member of County Assembly Peter Walunya following a protocol disagreement during a funeral in Kakamega County.
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Salasya was granted a chance to address the mourners and console the deceased's family during which he shared his history with the family, acknowledging the role they played in his life.
"First and foremost, let me send my condolences to the family. I remember the family would always make me feel welcome every time I visited them. That's the reason why I decided to come and console the family today. We pray that God will continue resting his soul in eternal peace. Thank you," Salasya stated as he wrapped up his speech.
Moments later, the MP got aggrieved after he identified Walunya who stood close by, calling for Salasya to observe decorum in his speech.
Salasya, however, shouted down the MCA, demanding he take his seat but the politician declined.
"Tell this person to go sit down," he stated, which quickly attracted the attention of the crowd.
"I have told you to sit down, I'm repeating it, go sit down," the lawmaker demanded.
Moments later, Salasya proceeded to slap the politician, with the MP's bodyguards joining and wrestling the local leader away.
Salasya's security detail also fired four gunshots during the melee.
Chaos ensued as the mourners watched the politician being kicked out of the event. The video has since elicited reactions from political leaders who questioned Salasya's actions.
"Our leaders have gone mad. From an MP shooting a DJ to another one shooting a man dead, to others pitting rival goons against each other and now to this! Kenyan voters must seriously retrospect," Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale stated.
Salasya has in the past been chastised over his conduct at public events, with observers questioning his actions as a holder of a public office.
In November 2023, the lawmaker was involved in another confrontation as he was attacked by goons at a burial after addressing the state of the sugar industry in the region and claiming how politics had contributed to the fall of the once thriving sector.
In yet another incident in May 2023, Salasya attacked several MCAs after they attempted to bar him from speaking at the funeral of former MCA Stephen Maloba in Khwisero.
