Police give Malala 72-hour ultimatum over Kakamega rally chaos

Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala inside his car after been blocked by DCI officers and uniformed police outside Kirobon Girls' School after attempting to reach students from Butere Girls for rehearsal purposes. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Police in Kakamega have given Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala 72 hours to report to the Western Regional Police Headquarters without fail.

Speaking to the press in his office, Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the former senator must present himself to his office to record a statement regarding the chaos that disrupted the party’s political rally in Kakamega on Saturday.

“Malala should report to my office any time from now. We expected him on Monday to record a statement regarding Saturday’s incident, but he did not show up. The file is in progress, and he must comply within the next 72 hours. If he fails, we will arrest him wherever he is in Kenya,” said Mohamud.

The regional police boss stated that the DCP’s Deputy Party Leader did not notify police of the Saturday political rally and procession.

“The law is very clear—police do not issue permits for meetings, but anyone intending to hold a political rally, gathering, or procession must notify the police at least three days in advance. This is to ensure the maintenance of law and order, which he contravened,” said Mohamud.

He added that the file concerning the former senator is complete, and he will be charged with causing public disorder and careless driving.

“He (Malala) caused public disorder in town, and we are pursuing him. He will be arraigned under the Public Order Act, Cap 56, for causing public disturbance,” said Mohamud.

He further stated, “Malala’s vehicle was flouting traffic rules. It was being driven on the wrong side of the road, causing obstruction, and was operated carelessly, endangering the lives of other road users. Police were forced to stop the vehicle.”

Mr Mohamud said that during the chaotic incident, the former lawmaker’s driver was arrested for careless driving.

The vehicle was intercepted, and the driver is currently being detained at Kakamega Central Police Station.

On Saturday, May 24, 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.