Salasya returns to Nyayo Stadium for Mashemeji Derby a week after assault by goons
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya made a return to Nyayo Stadium to attend the 96th Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, days after he was attacked and ejected from the same venue during a World Cup qualifier match.
Salasya shared a video on his Instagram page on Sunday, March 30, 2025, expressing his excitement for the match. In his caption, he taunted Gor Mahia fans, indicating his support for AFC Leopards while playfully challenging their rivals.
“The second largest community in Kenya. We must defeat them today. Wacha wakuje na mawe zao sasa. Sasa kila mtu acheze kwa mulango wake,” he captioned.
The highly anticipated match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards kicked off at 4:00 pm at Nyayo National Stadium. Fans from both teams filled the streets of Nairobi early in the day, singing and chanting in their respective club colours. Key gathering points included the Kenya National Archives and the front of the Nation Centre before they proceeded to the stadium.
The derby had faced previous postponements due to venue unavailability, but the determination of both teams to outshine the other brought fans out in large numbers.
This comes a week after Salasya was caught in a violent altercation during the World Cup qualifier match between Harambee Stars and Gabon at Nyayo Stadium. The MP was attacked and forcibly ejected from the stadium.
The ordeal
Speaking through a video on his Instagram page on March 24, 2025, Salasya thanked Kenyans who sympathized with him, highlighting that his post about the incident garnered over 1.5 million views. He considered the massive engagement a show of solidarity and support from the public.
According to Salasya, the attack was premeditated. He revealed that he was monitored from the moment he arrived at the stadium. He recalled a warning he received at the entrance and mentioned that a group of about ten individuals persistently followed him, hurling insults and eventually resorting to violence.
The MP noted that he attended the match without a security detail, accompanied only by a friend, as he viewed the event as a unifying occasion for the country. However, the situation escalated, with attackers striking him with a trash bin while his friend and security personnel tried to shield him.
“They took advantage of that, they knew I would be there. Football brings people together as a country, so I did not bring bodyguards, just a friend to enjoy the game and support,” he explained.
The commotion created a tense atmosphere at the stadium, with some spectators demanding that Salasya show respect for President William Ruto. Chants of “Heshimu rais” (Respect the President) echoed through the stands as the chaos unfolded.
Security personnel were eventually forced to intervene, escorting Salasya out of the stadium. Videos circulating online showed the MP, dressed in an AFC Leopards jersey, rushing to his car as his bodyguards ensured his safety.
Salasya condemned the violence, stressing that the chaotic scenes could have resulted in injuries or even the postponement of the crucial Kenya vs Gabon match.
“It could have caused many lives at Nyayo Stadium and maybe postponement of the coveted game Kenya vs Gabon,” he lamented.
