'Return to KANU days': Malala alleges state harassment after driver assault

Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala with DAP K party leader Eugine Wamalwa in Nakuru a few hours after Malala was released from police cells in Eldama Ravine on April 10, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader, Cleophas Malala, has alleged that the state is targeting him following the alleged assault on his driver two weeks ago and the frequent trailing of the driver.

Speaking to The Standard, Malala said that the assault on his driver, Peter Nzuki, was a clear message from the security agencies that the state was after him due to his political affiliation with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"The ordeal my driver faced at the hands of the police is not only unfortunate but also deeply disturbing. Such brutality has no place in a democratic society and should never be entertained. What we witnessed is a sad reminder of the dark days of the KANU era, a period we thought was firmly behind us," said Malala.

He added, "It is also becoming clear that I am being targeted due to my political affiliation. The repeated disruption of my meetings in Kakamega town, the injury of my driver, and the illegal detention of my vehicle despite a valid court order are not isolated incidents. They point to a deliberate attempt to intimidate and frustrate me."

The former senator said that he will not be silenced or intimidated by President William Ruto for criticising the wrongdoings of the Kenya Kwanza government.

"As a national leader, I will not be silenced or deterred. I remain committed to defending the rights and freedoms of our people as enshrined in the 2010 Constitution," said Malala.

The former UDA Secretary-General said his driver is undergoing treatment for the injuries he sustained.

"We have since ensured the driver receives the necessary medical attention. Sadly, under the Kenya Kwanza administration, we are witnessing a troubling regression. Our police have reverted from being a service to becoming a force, as evidenced by the blatant disregard for human rights and the law," he said.

Malala alleged that police officers have pressed attempted murder charges against his driver.

"They have come up with malicious charges that my driver attempted murder, and they have forwarded the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, evidently because they have no case and their allegations do not hold water," he said.

Malala accused the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) of sluggish investigations into the matter.

"IPOA, which should be at the forefront of accountability, has made little progress in addressing these growing cases of police brutality. This lack of enforcement has emboldened rogue officers and contributed to the upsurge in such incidents," said Malala.

However, Kakamega County Police Commander Lucy Kananu said she could not comment on matters that are before the court.

"The driver is supposed to be arraigned at any time, and the issue of Mr Malala and his driver is before the court, so I cannot comment on it at the moment," said Kananu.

Three weeks ago, Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said that during the chaotic incident at Malala's DCP rally in Kakamega town, the former lawmaker’s driver was arrested for careless driving. The vehicle was intercepted and is still detained at Kakamega Central Police Station.