Peter Salasya Responds to Violent Attack at Nyayo Stadium During Kenya vs. Gabon Match

On Sunday, March 23, 2025, a dramatic and troubling incident unfolded at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi during Kenya’s World Cup qualifier match against Gabon. Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya found himself at the center of a violent altercation, attacked and forcibly ejected from the stands by a group of unidentified individuals. The chaotic scenes, captured on video and widely circulated online, have sparked outrage and condemnation across Kenya. In the aftermath, Salasya has broken his silence, delivering a powerful and defiant response to the assault, while alleging it was a premeditated act aimed at silencing him.

The Incident: A Day of Football Marred by Violence

Salasya, a vocal and outspoken legislator known for his grassroots connection with constituents, had joined thousands of Kenyans at Nyayo Stadium to cheer on the Harambee Stars in their crucial match against Gabon. Dressed in an AFC Leopards jersey, the MP was initially welcomed as a prominent figure rallying fans to support the national team. However, his presence quickly turned into a target for aggression.
Videos of the incident show Salasya being confronted by a group of assailants, some of whom hurled objects, including a trash bin, at him. Amid the chaos, shouts of “Heshimu Rais” (Respect the President) and “Heshimu Raila” (Respect Raila) echoed from the crowd, hinting at a possible political motive behind the attack. The situation escalated rapidly, forcing Salasya’s security team and police to intervene, escorting him out of the stadium to safety as the angry mob pursued him to the parking lot.
The attack occurred against a backdrop of heightened tension at the stadium, with reports of anti-government chants like “Ruto must go” reverberating through the stands. Salasya, a known critic of both President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, has often found himself at odds with political factions, which may have fueled the hostility directed at him.

Salasya’s Defiant Response

Speaking out on Monday, March 24, 2025, Salasya addressed the incident with a mix of resilience, gratitude, and a stern warning to his attackers. In a video shared on his Instagram page, the MP recounted the harrowing ordeal, asserting that the attack was a calculated move to intimidate him. “What happened yesterday was planned,” he stated. “I was the one who told people to come to Nyayo. I was the leader who first made a statement about the game at Nyayo before any leader did. They took advantage of that; they knew I would be there.”
Salasya emphasized that he attended the match unarmed and without heavy security, intending to enjoy the game and unite Kenyans through football. “Football brings people together as a country, so I did not bring bodyguards, just a friend to enjoy the game and support,” he explained. However, he alleged that he was closely monitored from the moment he arrived, with individuals tracking his movements and hurling insults before the physical assault began.
Despite the violence, Salasya highlighted his restraint, noting that he chose peace over retaliation. “They wanted to kill me. I had options, but I chose peace,” he said, adding a cryptic warning: “Next time, I will consider other options.” In a separate statement posted on X, he went further, claiming divine protection and predicting dire consequences for his assailants. “You can’t beat an anointed leader and go scot-free. Give two months to those goons, and all will have perished like flowers. It’s not me who will do it, but God protects His servants,” he declared.
The MP also expressed gratitude to Kenyans for their overwhelming support, pointing to the massive online response as evidence of his popularity. “I want to start by thanking Kenyans for standing with me. On my Facebook account, when I posted about what I went through, within a short period, it had over 1.5 million views. That means Kenyans love me. I was trending everywhere—on Instagram, X, and TikTok,” he said. He interpreted the public’s reaction as a sign that “Kenyans watch and they judge,” suggesting that the attack would not silence him but instead amplify his voice.

Political Undertones and Broader Implications

While the exact trigger for the assault remains unclear, the chants targeting Salasya’s perceived disrespect toward President Ruto and Raila Odinga point to underlying political tensions. Salasya has been a polarizing figure in Kenyan politics, often clashing with both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition Azimio la Umoja. His refusal to toe party lines—evidenced by his rebellion against voting for the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—has made him a target for criticism and, apparently, physical aggression.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi labeled it an “unfortunate” display of political intolerance, urging Kenyans to embrace dialogue over violence. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya echoed this sentiment, warning that such acts threaten Kenya’s democracy and could set a dangerous precedent. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi called for those responsible to be held accountable, emphasizing that freedom of speech and expression, as guaranteed by the Constitution, must be protected.
Salasya himself hinted at a broader conspiracy, claiming he had identified the culprits behind the attack. “Kenyans are waking up soon, and if you dare do anything to me, it will cause a big problem in this country,” he warned in a post on X, promising a full statement to shed light on the orchestrators.

A Call for Unity Amid Chaos

The attack on Salasya overshadowed what should have been a unifying moment for Kenyans—supporting the Harambee Stars in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The MP lamented that the violence could have resulted in injuries among spectators or even the postponement of the match, underscoring the need for civility in public spaces. “It could have caused many lives at Nyayo Stadium and maybe postponed the coveted game Kenya vs. Gabon,” he said.
As Kenya grapples with rising political polarization, Salasya’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic discourse. His response—defiant yet measured—reflects both his personal resilience and the broader challenge facing the nation: fostering unity and tolerance in the face of division. Whether his prediction of divine retribution comes to pass or not, one thing is clear: Peter Salasya is not backing down, and the incident at Nyayo Stadium has only amplified his voice in Kenya’s turbulent political landscape.