Democracy for Citizens Party Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala has condemned the conduct of the police during an organized rally in Kakamega Town on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
Speaking after chaotic scenes marred the event, Malala blamed the law enforcement agencies for lobbing tear gas at peaceful civilians gathered for the function.
He also decried the treatment meted out to them, saying they were targeted with live bullets.
Malala, Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kiambu Senator Karung’o Thang’wa were among those caught in the clashes as police lobbed tear gas to disperse crowds that convened for the event.
“I strongly condemn the use of brute force, live bullets, and unnecessary teargas by our security agencies to disperse a peaceful procession merely welcoming home their leader,” Malala’s statement on Facebook read.
The event was Malala’s homecoming party, with the politician also scheduled to host his party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, in Western for the first time since the unveiling of the party on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Familiar chaotic scenes witnessed during the party unveiling and punctuated most of the former Deputy President’s gatherings resurfaced.
Despite the disruption, Malala remained adamant, stating that intimidation would not deter them from challenging the administration led by President William Ruto.
“Kenya is a nation governed by the rule of law, and such acts have no place in a modern, democratic society. Let it be known to the Kenya Kwisha administration that no amount of intimidation or coercion will break our resolve or weaken our spirit to make Ruto a one-term president,” his statement concluded.
Methu also joined Malala in condemning what he termed as state-sponsored brutality against citizens.
The senator asserted that such brutality will only work to strengthen their resolve rather than break it.
“Firing live bullets and lobbing teargas at unarmed citizens is not law enforcement — it is state-sponsored brutality.
Kenya deserves better. We will not be silenced or intimidated. President Ruto’s one-term clock is ticking,” a statement from the politician stated.
The melee comes a day after Malala dared President William Ruto against proceeding with any scheme to arrest or imprison former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Malala, while speaking in Manyatta Constituency in Embu on Friday, May 23, 2025, warned the head of state against threatening Gachagua, statingthat it would ignite Kenyans’ fury.
“We would like to tell William Ruto that he troubled Uhuru Kenyatta for five years, yet Uhuru never locked him up. If you want to understand how these Kenyans behave, try to arrest Rigathi Gachagua. We are daring you. If you are a man, try it. Arrest Rigathi Gachagua. Then you will understand how Kenya truly behaves,” he declared.
