KAKAMEGA — In a tumultuous turn of events on Sunday, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa delivered a scathing rebuke to the residents of Mumias East for their choice of Peter Salasya as their Member of Parliament. The Governor's remarks followed a disturbing incident where Salasya was subjected to a violent assault by unidentified assailants during a church fundraising event.
Speaking in the aftermath of the attack, Governor Barasa expressed his disappointment, stating, “We need to respect the leaders who have come to help us fundraise for the church. Speaker (Moses Wetangula), while you were away, there was chaos because of a boy we elected in Mumias East.” Barasa went on to apologize to the visitors on behalf of Mumias East, characterizing the election of Salasya as a regrettable mistake.
“This was the first time Salasya addressed a large audience, and he demonstrated a lack of decorum and capacity to handle such an event,” Barasa asserted, highlighting what he perceived as Salasya's inexperience on a public platform.
Governor Barasa also called on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to disarm Salasya's bodyguards, alleging a violation of the law as they brandished a pistol inside the church. Barasa contended that Salasya had attended the event with the sole intention of causing chaos, devoid of any commitment to the development agenda.
“Who comes to church and starts a fight and then runs away before making a donation?” Barasa questioned, questioning the motives behind Salasya's disruptive behavior.
In response, Salasya, who had earlier commended his bodyguards for ensuring he was not armed during the altercation, alleged that the individuals who seized the microphone from him were acting under Governor Barasa's directives.
The incident highlights the heightened political tensions within the region and raises concerns about the decorum and security measures surrounding public events, even within the confines of a sacred space. As the fallout continues, the electorate in Mumias East grapples with the repercussions of their elected representative's contentious actions and the ensuing clash with the governor.