Peter Salasya Must Launch 14-Day Peace Drive and Issue Public Apology, Rules Nairobi Court

A Nairobi court has ordered Mumias East MP Peter Salasya to lead a national peace campaign and issue a public apology before his hate speech case can be concluded.

The order was issued on 19 January 2026 by Senior Resident Magistrate Paul Mutai, who declined to immediately approve a conciliation agreement between Salasya and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). The court ruled that the agreement could only be considered after Salasya fulfils specific conditions set out in the settlement.

Under the court directive, the MP must hold a joint press conference with NCIC officials and conduct a 14-day social media campaign promoting peace, unity and national cohesion. The court said it would only consider withdrawing the charges once Salasya provides proof that these requirements have been met.

The case relates to statements Salasya is alleged to have made during political engagements in Meru and Isiolo counties, as well as while travelling towards Nanyuki. Prosecutors argue that the remarks amounted to hate speech under Kenyan law. Salasya has denied the allegations.

Salasya was arrested in May 2025 and later released on a cash bail of Sh200,000. The NCIC, working with the Director of Public Prosecutions, initiated discussions aimed at resolving the matter through conciliation. Progress stalled for several months due to changes in the commission’s leadership.

Following the court’s ruling, Salasya launched a peace campaign on major social media platforms. He said the initiative would be non-partisan and inclusive, involving youth, elders, faith leaders, women and other community representatives. He said that the campaign was intended to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law.

The court directed Salasya to submit evidence of his campaign activities within the required period and to publicly apologise alongside NCIC officials. Failure to comply could result in the case proceeding to full trial.