Natembeya condemns Nyayo Stadium attack on Peter Salasya and urges political tolerance
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has strongly condemned the attack on Mumias East MP Peter Salasya at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, March 23, 2025, terming it a blatant violation of democratic principles and an affront to political tolerance.
In a statement on his X account on Monday, March 24, 2025, Natembeya expressed his concern over the rising trend of political intolerance, warning that such incidents undermine Kenya’s democracy.
“I strongly condemn the recent attack on Member of the National Assembly representing Mumias East constituency, Peter Salasya, at Nyayo Stadium, carried out by a group of unruly individuals. Such acts of violence are a blatant violation of the rule of law and an affront to our democratic principles,” Natembeya stated.
He emphasized that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to political association and freedom of expression—rights that must be upheld and protected at all times.
“This heinous act constitutes a grave violation of an individual’s right to freely support or oppose any political party or ideology without fear of intimidation or violence. As a nation, we must collectively condemn such actions that threaten our democracy and erode the principles of tolerance and political coexistence,” he added.
Natembeya called on Kenyans to respect divergent political views and avoid hostility towards leaders with differing opinions.
He urged citizens to embrace healthy debates rather than resort to violence.
“We must strive for a Kenya where differences in political opinion do not breed hostility but rather foster healthy debate and national progress. It is time to move beyond retrogressive ideologies and work together to build a nation anchored in respect, peace, and unity,” he concluded.
Other leaders condemn attack
Natembeya’s remarks were echoed by other political leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, both of whom condemned the attack on Salasya.
Mudavadi decried political intolerance, noting that Kenya’s democracy relies on open dialogue and mutual respect.
“What happened to Hon. Peter Salasya at Nyayo Stadium today is unfortunate. Political intolerance undermines the very foundation of our democracy, which relies on the ability to engage with differing views,” Mudavadi wrote on X on March 23, 2025.
He urged Kenyans to reject division and work towards unity, warning that allowing intolerance to thrive would hinder national development.
“We won’t always agree, and that’s okay. But respect, dialogue, and unity must remain non-negotiable. A house divided cannot stand. Let’s choose reason over chaos and maturity over noise. Kenya’s future depends on it,” he added.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi also expressed outrage over the attack, calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
“This is uncouth, uncalled for, and lugubrious. Whoever planned this against Peter Salasya must be brought to book. It must stop. Freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed in our Constitution,” Amisi stated on March 23, 2025.
He acknowledged that while not everyone agrees with Salasya’s style of politics, violence should not be normalized as a response to political differences.
“We may not agree on how he does his things, but this is a young man trying his luck in life. Kenya needs a renaissance!” Amisi added.
Details of the incident
Chaos erupted on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium during Kenya’s World Cup qualifier match against Gabon, where Salasya was confronted by a group of individuals.
Videos circulating online showed one of the attackers striking the MP with a trash bin as his security team attempted to shield him.
Amid the commotion, some spectators shouted “Heshimu rais” (respect the president), suggesting that the attack may have been politically motivated.
As tensions escalated, Salasya was forced to leave the stadium under tight security, with his bodyguards working to ensure his safety.
The incident occurred amid anti-government chants from the crowd, with thousands of fans shouting, “Ruto must go.”
