MP Salasya's hate speech case set for hearing in July

A hearing has been scheduled for July 30 in the hate speech case against Mumias East MP Peter Salasya.

The matter will be heard before Milimani Magistrate Paul Mutai.

The court directed the defence to collect documentary evidence from the prosecution, sign the inventory, and file it in the court record.

"A copy to be prosecuted after it has been executed and avail a copy of the inventory," Magistrate Mutai said.

This development follows the dramatic arrest of the MP on May 16 along the Isiolo–Nanyuki highway.

He was later detained at Nairobi Central Police Station.

The legislator claimed that he was ambushed by armed individuals identifying themselves as DCI officers who disarmed him and placed him in custody.

Salasya was subsequently arraigned in court.

He was charged with hate speech over remarks and online posts, charges he denied.

The court released him on a cash bail of Sh200,000 granted by Milimani Principal Magistrate Paul Mutai.

Earlier this month, the court dismissed claims that the MP’s rights were violated while in custody, citing lack of evidence.

The magistrate also declined an application by Salasya’s legal team seeking the reinstatement of his firearm.

Magistrate Mutai ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to issue such an order.

The firearm had been confiscated as part of the evidence during his arrest.