Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has come to the aid of Mumias East legislator Peter Salasya following a distressing incident where the young lawmaker was jeered and attacked by thugs during a recent event in his constituency.
During a fundraising drive at a Catholic Church in his constituency on November 12, 2023, chaos erupted as unidentified individuals climbed onto the stage and forcibly seized the microphone while Salasya was addressing the public.
A commotion broke out, with guns drawn, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
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Interestingly, the altercation unfolded as Salasya seemed to critique the policies and leadership approach of the Kakamega Governor, who happened to be in attendance at the event.
Khalwale, purportedly eyeing the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the 2027 polls, seems to have attributed the incident to Barasa's presence, suggesting a connection between the Governor and the fracas.
“Kakamega is a very peaceful county. We rarely have incidents where guns are drawn. Salasya is free to say what he thinks at any event and the Governor should allow people to talk. There is freedom of speech in this country,” said Khalwale.
Salasya was heard criticizing the county manager before the brawl broke out, not just about the condition of sugarcane farming in the county but also about the weak attempts to revive the Mumias Sugar facility.
“I want him to be a good governor so that he can serve another term, but we have a problem with those people around him, and that is why you hear me lamenting every time now and then,” said Salasya.
“The electorates gave you their votes because of the faith they had in you. Mumias issues (referring to sugarcane farming) are what makes me differ from you. As a leader, you must address issues that matter to your people,” he added.
“Before you talk about Mumias, ask yourself what you have done to help sugarcane farmers,” the legislator stated.
The remarks appeared to infuriate Barasa's supporters, triggering initial heckling directed at Salasya. Tensions escalated, leading to a physical altercation involving a push-and-pull situation.
Police officers, with the assistance of some civilians, had to intervene to restore calm and pacify an evidently agitated Mr. Salasya.
