Cleo Malala Speaks After Being Teargassed While Presenting Petition in Kakamega

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has spoken out after being teargassed while attempting to present a petition to police leadership over alleged political violence and intimidation in Kakamega County.

Malala said he and his team had presented a public petition demanding action against what he described as rising goonism, attacks on political opponents and alleged misconduct by some police officers.

In a social media post, the former senator accused individuals linked to Baraza of allegedly hiring and training more than 300 goons to intimidate rivals and disrupt political activities.

He further alleged that the group had been involved in attacks against opponents and the torching of houses. However, these claims had not been independently verified.

According to Malala, the situation had created fear among residents and threatened their ability to express themselves freely and demand better services from their leaders.

Also Read

• “If I’m Found Dead, Tell Them It Is Sarah”: Former MP Recounts Tob Cohen’s Final Warning at Murder Trial
• Cleo Malala Speaks After Being Teargassed While Presenting Petition in Kakamega
• Teargas Lobbed, Shots Fired as Cleophas Malala Confronts Police Bosses
• Vote Mutula or Else? MCA Tells Makueni County Staff Loyalty Is Mandatory
• Video: Interesting Times As Susan Nakhumicha Contributes Money For Sifuna In Tranzoia

He accused Baraza of allegedly using violence as a political tool instead of addressing the needs of the people.

Malala also raised concerns over the reported arrests of digital content creators, specifically mentioning Anyama wa Anyama and others.

He argued that police should protect freedom of expression rather than allow political interests to influence security operations.

The former senator called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the allegations and take decisive action against individuals suspected of orchestrating violence.

He further demanded changes within the security apparatus, insisting that officers implicated in political intimidation should be held accountable.

The incident is likely to intensify debate over political rivalry, public safety and the conduct of security officers in Kakamega County.

Malala’s petition seeks to draw the attention of police leadership to the alleged violence and compel authorities to take action.

He concluded his statement with the hashtags #BongaNaCleo and #KakamegaWeWant, signalling his continued push for accountability and what he described as a safer political environment.

Police leadership and Baraza had not been quoted responding to the allegations in the statement provided.

About The Author