By Afrireport 
A court has withdrawn a hate speech case against Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya after he apologised and complied with directives issued by the court, including running a two-week peace campaign on social media.
The case, which stemmed from remarks Salasya had made online, was mentioned before the court where the prosecution confirmed that the lawmaker had met all the conditions set earlier for a possible withdrawal of the charges.
These conditions included issuing a public apology and actively promoting peaceful coexistence through his social media platforms.
In its submission, the prosecution told the court that Salasya had demonstrated goodwill by acknowledging that his statements were inappropriate and capable of inciting division.
The court was informed that the MP had used his verified social media accounts to share messages encouraging unity, tolerance and respectful political engagement for a continuous two week period, as ordered.
Magistrate presiding over the matter noted that the objective of the court was not only punitive but also corrective, especially in cases involving public figures whose words can easily influence public opinion.
The court observed that Salasya’s compliance showed remorse and a willingness to promote harmony, which aligned with the spirit of restorative justice.
Following the withdrawal of the case, Salasya welcomed the court’s decision and reiterated his commitment to responsible leadership.
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He said the experience had been a learning moment and pledged to be more cautious with his language, particularly on social media where messages can spread quickly and widely.
The MP also encouraged fellow leaders to use their platforms to foster peace rather than fuel hostility.
Salasya’s legal team argued that the lawmaker had acted in good faith by complying fully with the court orders and deserved a chance to move forward without the burden of a criminal case.
They maintained that dialogue and corrective measures were more effective than punishment in promoting national cohesion.
The case had attracted public attention, with mixed reactions from Kenyans on social media.
While some welcomed the court’s decision as fair and reformative, others urged leaders to be held to higher standards, especially on matters touching on hate speech.
The withdrawal of the case serves as a reminder of the responsibility placed on public officials to uphold unity and the rule of law, particularly in an era where digital platforms play a powerful role in shaping public discourse.
