Peter Salasya Evades Jail After Court Withdraws Hate Speech Case
Nairobi, February 2, 2026 — Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya can breathe a sigh of relief after a Nairobi court officially withdrew hate speech charges against him, following his full compliance with court-ordered peace initiatives.
Senior Resident Magistrate Paul Mutai at Milimani Magistrate’s Court ruled on Monday that sufficient evidence showed the outspoken legislator had successfully carried out a two-week peace advocacy campaign reaching at least 1,000 people, as required under an earlier out-of-court agreement.
Background of the Case
The charges stemmed from May 2025, when Salasya was accused of posting inflammatory remarks on his social media account that allegedly targeted a specific community and risked inciting ethnic hatred between groups. He was arrested and later released on Ksh200,000 cash bail.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), filed the case under relevant provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act. Salasya initially faced a potential three-year prison sentence or a Ksh1 million fine if convicted.
Failed Conciliation and Path to Trial
By November 2025, the case had been cleared for full trial after scheduled conciliation talks between Salasya and the NCIC stalled. Prosecutor Virginia Kariuki informed the court that the commission’s mandate had expired before mediation could properly begin, leaving no alternative but to proceed.
Court-Ordered Reprieve: Peace Campaign and Apology
In January 2026, the court offered Salasya a conditional reprieve. Despite an initial out-of-court agreement with the NCIC, Magistrate Mutai declined immediate withdrawal and instead directed the MP to:
- Launch a prominent social media peace campaign lasting two weeks.
- Ensure the initiative reached at least 1,000 people.
- Issue a public apology.
Salasya launched the campaign on January 19, framing it as a non-partisan, inclusive effort to unite Kenyans.
“This peace campaign will be non-partisan, inclusive and people-centred, bringing together youth, elders, faith leaders, women and community stakeholders across all regions of Kenya,” he said at the time. “Its sole purpose is to promote unity, coexistence, and stability.”
Compliance Confirmed, Charges Dropped
On February 2, the court reviewed evidence of Salasya’s participation and outreach. Satisfied that he had met — and even committed to sustaining — the requirements, Magistrate Mutai approved the withdrawal of the charges.
Prosecutors confirmed the decision aligned with the out-of-court settlement terms and Salasya’s demonstrated efforts.
MP Vows Continued Commitment to Unity
Speaking after the ruling, Salasya expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his dedication to national cohesion.
“I will continue to be a peace ambassador, a defender of justice, and a fearless voice for the people of Kenya,” he stated, emphasizing his resolve to uphold unity and the rule of law.
The resolution brings an end to a high-profile case that had drawn significant public attention, highlighting the role of restorative measures in addressing hate speech allegations in Kenya’s polarized political landscape.
Also Read: Maraga Breaks Silence on Gachagua Demos — Takes Sides
Peter Salasya Evades Jail After Court Withdraws Hate Speech Case