MP Salasya freed on Ksh.200,000 bail in hate speech case

Appearing at the Milimani Law Court on Monday, Salasya's defense team argued that the legislator was arrested in a barbaric manner and they were also denied access to their client.

"An individual shot at his car and arrested him without identification," said lawyer Ken Echesa.

He also asked for the reinstatement of Salasya's bodyguards to guarantee his security.

Outside the courtroom, Echesa censured the use of security forces to tame constructive criticism.

He believes that Salasya's arrest was purely politically motivated and it was aimed at silencing his 2027 political ambitions.

"Using the police to abduct young leaders, who have shown interest in the liberation of their country is uncalled for," he said.

"We urge our client to remain firm and that the constitution protects his fundamental rights and freedoms. He has the freedom of speech, of movement and he can declare interest in any seat."

Narrating his May 16 arrest, Salasya said men claiming to be DCI officers attacked his convoy, shot at him before taking him into custody.

In a series of tweets posted on his official X account, he detailed that the masked men, about 15 in number, who were heavily armed with AK-47 rifles, intercepted his convoy along the highway after his Isiolo tour.

They allegedly opened fire, deflating his vehicle's tyres before disarming his security team.