KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has sought police clearance to hold a week-long series of political rallies across Kakamega County, as he fights off allegations stemming from a chaotic homecoming event that turned violent last weekend.
In a formal notice dated May 29, the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP), through its National Executive Committee member Alexander Khamasi, informed police of planned sub-county meetings from May 31 to June 6, aimed at popularising the party.
The rallies are scheduled to run daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. across all 14 sub-counties of Kakamega County.
“The meetings will be peaceful, conducted orderly, and strictly adhere to the rule of law and public safety protocols,” Khamasi stated in the letter addressed to the County Police Commander.
The notification was copied to all sub-county police bosses in the region.
In the spirit of compliance to public order and safety. Our security system stands notified of our Party Popularization drive. Tukutane Ground. #TuskizeWakenya
The planned events come on the heels of a legal reprieve for Malala after the High Court in Kibera granted him anticipatory bail, shielding him from arrest in connection with the unrest that disrupted his May 24 rally in Kakamega town.
Justice Diana Kavedza issued the orders on Wednesday, granting Malala Sh100,000 bail and directing that he present himself for questioning at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters within five days.
The court also instructed that Malala, if eventually charged, must be informed of the court where he will take plea, instead of being arrested.
Malala had argued that he faced imminent arrest in a politically motivated move to detain him over the Madaraka Day weekend.
In his court filings, the DCP deputy party leader claimed the intended arrest was meant to harass and embarrass him.
The chaos during last weekend’s rally saw police fire tear gas as Malala, alongside Senators John Methu (Nyandarua) and Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), attempted to address supporters.
According to Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud, Malala had failed to notify police of the event, violating the Public Order Act.
“The law is clear—police don’t issue permits, but organisers must notify us three days in advance. Malala did not,” said Mohamud, adding that the former senator will face charges related to public disorder and traffic violations.
Mohamud further claimed Malala’s vehicle was driven recklessly during the rally, obstructing traffic and endangering other road users.
The driver was arrested and is currently held at Kakamega Central Police Station.
Despite the legal and political storm, Malala is pushing ahead with his DCP mobilisation drive.
His move to formally notify police of the upcoming meetings suggests a strategic shift to avoid further clashes with law enforcement as he seeks to entrench his party’s influence in his home turf.
