A collage of the tyres allegedly deflated by gunmen. PHOTO|COURTESY
Mumias East, Kenya – Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has raised alarm over what he describes as a harrowing ambush and abduction by heavily armed men claiming to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In a shocking series of updates posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account around 1 pm Saturday, the vocal legislator alleged that his convoy was intercepted by more than 15 masked men armed with AK-47 rifles, shortly after he concluded a tour in Isiolo County.
The group, he said, opened fire on his motorcade along a highway, deflating the tyres of his vehicle and forcibly disarming his security detail before taking him into custody under mysterious circumstances.
“I have just been attacked by unknown individuals claiming to be DCI officers. These people, heavily armed and moving with force, ambushed my convoy, disarmed my security team—confiscating their firearms—and pursued my vehicle,” Salasya wrote.
According to the MP, the attackers used unmarked vehicles which had been trailing him for some time. They allegedly hijacked the lead cars in his convoy and used them to block his vehicle from the front, effectively trapping him. Salasya claimed that he was specifically targeted, with shots fired directly at his vehicle in what he termed an attempted assassination.
“They shot at my vehicle, aiming directly at me. Shortly after, they emerged with at least 15 AK-47 rifles and confronted me with a chilling message—one I cannot disclose at this time for security reasons,” Salasya added in another tweet.
The MP further revealed that he was momentarily able to escape the attackers with the help of one of his security personnel, who fled into nearby bushes. However, he was later captured and taken away to an undisclosed location. His current whereabouts remain unclear.
The dramatic events have sparked concern among his supporters and colleagues, many of whom are calling for urgent clarification from the National Police Service and the DCI regarding the incident.
No official statement has yet been issued by either the Directorate of Criminal Investigations or the Ministry of Interior in response to the MP’s allegations. Attempts to reach police spokespersons for comment had not yielded a response by the time of publishing.
The incident adds to growing tension around political security and alleged state intimidation of dissenting voices. Salasya has recently been vocal about various political issues, including the ongoing debate surrounding the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company and calls for greater government accountability in Western Kenya.
His claims come just days after other leaders from the region, including Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, accused government forces of overreach and political persecution.
While the authenticity of the attackers’ claim to be DCI officers remains unverified, Salasya’s account paints a troubling picture of extrajudicial tactics and possible political intimidation.
Human rights organizations and legal experts have called for immediate investigations, with some suggesting the use of parliamentary privilege to table the matter for national debate.
In his final tweet before going silent, Salasya pleaded with authorities and the public to treat the situation with urgency.
“I am currently being taken to an unknown location, and I urge all relevant authorities and the public to take note of what is happening,” he wrote.
As the nation awaits official communication on the incident, questions linger: Was this a rogue operation, a case of mistaken identity, or a targeted political crackdown?
Mulembe Times will continue to monitor this developing story.
