Chaos rocked a planned Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) rally in Kakamega Town on Saturday after anti-riot police officers dispersed followers of Cleophas Malala, the new formation's deputy party leader.
Police lobbed teargas canisters, fired rubber and live bullets at supporters who came out to receive Mr Malala. The politician had planned to hold a homecoming party at his home in Makunga, Mumias East.
Business activities were paralysed in Kakamega Town as police engaged supporters of Mr Malala in running battles. Businesses were also closed for fear of looting.
Democracy for the Citizens Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala addresses party supporters in Kakamega town on May 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Isaac Wale | Nation Media Group
Trouble started around 11am when Malala, who was accompanied by Nyandarua Senator John Methu and his Kiambu counterpart Karungo Thang’wa, were being welcomed by youths at Amalemba Estate in the outskirts of Kakamega town for a grand entry.
The former Kakamega Senator started engaging with the youth, who were waiting for him at Mukumu as he made entry into Kakamega town.
At Amalemba, police barricaded the road leading to the town, blocking Malala's entry into Kakamega town and prompting running battles with the former senator’s supporters.
At one time, Mr Malala was forced to jump onto a motorcycle and fled to safety after police lobbed teargas inside his vehicle and deflated one of its tyres.
The streets of Kakamega town after police fired teargas to disperse supporters of Democracy for the Citizens Party on May 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Isaac Wale | Nation Media Group
However, Mr Malala made his way into the town centre and was joined by supporters but his attempts to address the media were disrupted by the police officers moments later.
Mr Malala said DCP is a party that is going to liberate the Western region economically and politically after years of neglect and betrayal by President William Ruto and those who have been in power.
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He accused President Ruto of suppressing dissenting voices, but vowed that DCP would stand with Kenyans.
"This is the beginning of liberation of the people of the Western region. Over the years, we have been used and dumped by people who have used our numbers and name grow. I have joined hands with Rigathi Gachagua and formed a party that will make Ruto a one-term president," said Mr Malala.
"This was a peaceful event and I don't understand why the police decided to disrupt it," he said.
Mr Malala urged the people of the Western region to join the DCP party so that they can liberate those who have been side-lined, neglected and mistreated for many years.
"We have had the opposition, but ODM leader Raila Odinga has used us and is now dining with the government," he said.
Police officers patrol the streets of Kakamega in a landcruiser to disperse supporters of Democracy for the Citizens Party on May 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Isaac Wale | Nation Media Group
The former senator had successfully accessed the market to address the crowd, prompting police officers to throw teargas and fire shots.
"We had not even started our meeting before police dispersed us with teargas< They have fired teargas into my car, but I want to tell Ruto that as long as we are still alive, we are going to make him a one-term president, whether he likes it or not," said Mr Methu.
