Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya’s case stalled once again on Tuesday, July 30, after he informed the court that his legal team was unavailable.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate P.K. Mutai at the Milimani Law Courts, Salasya told the court that one of his lawyers was unwell, while the other was attending to a different matter in another courtroom.
“One of my lawyers is unwell and the other is handling another matter in a different court,” Salasya said.
The magistrate also raised concern over the prosecution’s failure to produce their witness physically, despite earlier indications that the testimony would be delivered virtually.
The court has now ordered that the witness appear in person.
“Let the witness appear physically. This is the last adjournment I am granting,” ruled Magistrate Mutai.
The hearing is now set to proceed on September 4, 2025, with the court warning that no further delays will be allowed.
The case follows Salasya’s arrest on May 16 along the Isiolo–Nanyuki highway in relation to allegations of hate speech connected to remarks reportedly made on social media.
He was reportedly en route to Nanyuki following engagements in Meru and Isiolo.
Following the arrest, Salasya posted on social media that individuals identifying themselves as officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations intercepted his vehicle, shot at its tires, and immobilised it.
“I have just been attacked by individuals claiming to be DCI officers,” he said.
“They disarmed my security team, shot at my vehicle, and pursued me. One of my guards helped me flee into nearby bushes for safety.”
He was later arraigned in Milimani Law Courts, where he denied the charges and was released on a cash bail of Sh200,000 or an alternative bond of Sh500,000.
The court also 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 directed.
In a previous session, the court dismissed claims that Salasya’s rights were violated while in custody, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.
It also declined a request for the reinstatement of his firearm, noting the court lacked the jurisdiction to issue such an order.
Salasya has maintained that the arrest was politically influenced.