Malala accuses police of being used to intimidate opposition leaders
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has accused the police of abandoning their constitutional duty and instead being used as a tool to intimidate those in the opposition.
Speaking during an interview with K24 TV, Malala claimed that law enforcement officers were no longer serving the interests of the public but were instead being misused to target leaders allied to the opposition.
“Polisi wamewacha kufanya kazi yao ile ambayo inatakikana wanafanya kazi ya kuthilumu wale ambao wako upinzani,” Malala said on Monday night of May 19, 2025.
In addition, Malala argued that the 2010 Constitution clearly outlines the need for both the government and a functioning opposition, insisting that the opposition plays a critical role in holding the government to account.
“Tuko na katiba mpya ambayo ilitupatia, kwamba kutakuwepo na serikali na upinzani, sisi tuko,” he added.
Gachagua on intimidation
Malala’s remarks come amid rising tension between opposition politicians and state security agencies, with several leaders condemning harassment and political victimisation.
Among them is DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua, who recently denounced what he terms as police intimidation and harassment.
Speaking during a press briefing on May 19, 2025, Gachagua narrated how he managed to evade an extensive police dragnet mounted at major exits in Murang’a, where he attended a church service on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The former deputy president revealed that he received intelligence from a section of police officers about his impending arrest, forcing his private security team to improvise a quick evacuation plan for his safety.
“My team and I sought alternative routes as guided by the deployed security personnel, the majority of whom are our supporters and my personal friends,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua also stated that the group sent to nab him was composed of 101 lethal and dreaded officers drawn from the DCI, Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), GSU and the Regular Administration Police and those deployed to the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
He revealed that upon receipt of the information, he equally learnt that his homes in Karen and Wamunyoro, which have become his political fortress, were also under heavy police presence.
Gachagua, whose security detail was withdrawn following his impeachment, has resorted to the use of private security, whom he says the government is attempting to disarm, to expose him to attacks by sponsored goons.
“We have credible information that President Ruto has directed that my private security personnel be disarmed and be targeted for withdrawal of their licences; this is to leave me vulnerable to allow room for goons to attack and kill me,” Gachagua said in the presser.
