Malala warns Ruto against arresting Gachagua
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has warned President William Ruto against proceeding with any scheme to arrest or imprison former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, declaring that such a move will ignite Kenyans’ fury.
Speaking in Manyatta Constituency in Embu on Friday, May 23, 2025, Malala castigated Ruto, stating that it is unjustified for him to target Gachagua when, during his tenure as second in command, former President Uhuru Kenyatta never pursued him with threats of incarceration.
According to Malala, Ruto had similarly disturbed Uhuru and denied him peace, and he insisted it would be a grave misstep for the head of state to threaten Gachagua when his predecessor, Uhuru, never resorted to such measures against him.
“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.
Malala further asserted that Ruto has resolved to issue threats, claiming that it is because of his inability to lead effectively, confirmed by various leaders who were once part of his inner circle but abandoned him for various reasons.
He cited himself as an example, stating that he was Ruto’s UDA party secretary general, and also mentioned former Attorney General Justin Muturi and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, affirming that they all witnessed firsthand the calibre of incapable leadership Ruto represents.
“I have heard MPs speaking here. And it is true that our Kenya is in a dire state. If you hear me, who was Secretary General of UDA, saying Kenya is in a bad place, you ought to listen to me. If you hear Gachagua, former Deputy President, saying Kenya is in a bad place, listen. If you hear former Attorney General Honourable Justin Muturi saying Kenya is in a bad place, listen. If you hear former CS Linturi saying Kenya is in a bad place, listen,” he added.
He coupled this with a plea to Kenyans, advising them to pay attention to leaders who are breaking ranks with Ruto.
“We were observing very closely and therefore when we say something, you should listen attentively. Just listen. We were indeed sitting with this William Ruto.”
Ultimatum over Kihara’s security
Malala, who was received with pomp and colour in the Gitonga-Mukunji-led constituency, further castigated President Ruto over the recent withdrawal of security from Naivasha MP Jane Kihara.
He launched severe criticism at the head of state, warning that full responsibility will lie with Ruto if anything untoward happens to the MP at a time when her security has been removed.
“Even yesterday, Honorable Jane Kihara, a woman of respect, had her security withdrawn. We want to tell Ruto that if anything happens to Jane Kihara or our MPs who do not see eye to eye with you, you will be responsible,” Malala stated.
He expressed bewilderment at the kind of leadership Ruto exemplifies, questioning how he could withdraw security from a respectable and kind woman like Kihara, and insinuated that Ruto might harbour malicious intentions.
Malala vowed that they would not hesitate to hold Ruto accountable if anything unfortunate occurred to Kihara, and added that Ruto should publicly explain why the MP’s security was withdrawn suddenly and without clear justification.
“Up to now, Ruto has gone so far as to make even female MPs, women like Jane Kihara, feel threatened to the point that their security is taken away. But because it is you, you know why you are withdrawing their security.”
