Malala to be charged over Saturday chaos in Kakamega

An impounded, deflated vehicle belonging to Cleophas Malala at Kakamega Central Police Station on May 25, 2025. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]

Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) Deputy Party Leader, Cleophas Malala, will be arrested and charged over the Saturday chaos that rocked the party's political rally in Kakamega.

According to Western Regional Police Commander Mr Issa Mohammud said Malala did not notify police officers over his planned political rally, public gathering and procession.

"He (Malala) caused public disorder in town, and we are going after him, and we will arraign him for causing public disorder under the Public Order Act, Caps 56," said Mohammud.

He added, “Businesses were forced to because of the disorder the politician brought by misusing youths for paying them as little as Sh200 to cause chaos and disorder in Kakamega town."

The regional police boss added that Malala will also be charged with careless driving, endangering people's lives, causing obstruction, and flouting traffic rules.

"Malala's vehicle was flaunting traffic rules, first, it was being driven on the wrong side, causing obstruction, and it was being driven carelessly while endangering the lives of road users. Police were forced to stop the vehicle after he jumped on the motorbike and escaped the arrest, same like his driver," said Mohammud.

He added, "The vehicle is with us in the police station, and we are going to press careless driving and obstruction charges against him because he blocked the entire road, which is supposed to be used by all people."

The police boss said that police have already arrested 18 people from the Saturday chaotic rally and are expected to be arraigned on Monday.

"We have 18 youths in our custody waiting to be arraigned tomorrow. We cannot allow politicians to misuse our youth. Some of the youths had planned to take advantage of the chaos to loot from business people and traders," said Muhammud.

He added, "We are not going to allow politicians to cause chaos and disrupt people's business. I want to assure our business people of the maximum security and protection of their business, and we will not allow political hooliganism in Kakamega and the Western region. It is not going to be business as usual, and politicians will not walk free after causing a fracas; the law will catch up with them because we want a peaceful country and campaign period if not yet."

According to the police boss, the windscreen of three police vehicles, one that belongs to Iguhu Police Post, Musanda Police Post, and the Quick Response Team that belongs to Kakamega Central Police Station, was broken during the exchange between police and youths.

Yesterday, business in Kakamega town was paralysed for the better part of the day after supporters of DCP clashed with police.

The trouble started at 11 am when Deputy Party Leader Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu arrived to a warm reception by youths at Amalemba.

Immediately, a contingent of police who had barricaded the road leading to town swung into action, repulsing the youth before the running battles started.

Police fired teargas inside Malala’s vehicle and deflated one of its tyres, forcing him to jump to escape on a motorbike.

Some supporters made it to town, where Malala condemned the police’s actions.

“This is the beginning of liberating the people of the Western region. Over the years, we have been used and dumped by parties that have done business on our numbers and name. Today, I have decided to join the party that I have personally formed,” said Malala.

Malala accused President Ruto of silencing dissent, saying, “ODM leader Raila Odinga has been bought and is now part of the government.”

“Ruto is buying off any opposing voices, but we remain committed to being with the people, focusing on the ground to listen to their concerns,” Malala said.