Violent Clashes Disrupt Kakamega as Police Confront Malala’s Supporters

Business in Kakamega town ground to a halt on Saturday as police clashed with supporters of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, plunging the area into chaos.

The violent confrontation, marked by tear gas, stone-throwing, and reports of live bullets, began around 11 a.m. at Amalemba estate, where hundreds of youths gathered to welcome Malala and Methu for a planned rally in the town’s Central Business District.

As the convoy approached the town, police barricades halted their progress, citing an unauthorised gathering, and swiftly moved to disperse the crowd.

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Officers fired tear gas, including directly into Malala’s vehicle, and deflated one of its tyres, forcing the former senator to flee on a motorbike for safety.

Undeterred, Malala and his supporters regrouped in the town centre, where running battles with police intensified. Youths pelted stones at officers, who responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and, according to witnesses, live ammunition.

“This was supposed to be a peaceful rally, but the police turned it into a battlefield,” the ex-Kakamega Senator told journalists in a brief one-minute interview amid the chaos. He accused President William Ruto’s government of using state machinery to silence dissent, vowing that DCP would “liberate” western Kenya from years of political and economic marginalisation. “Ruto is buying dissenting voices, but we will stand with the people,” he said.

Methu echoed Malala’s defiance, accusing Ruto of deploying police to suppress critics. “They threw tear gas into my car before we even started. Ruto will be a one-term president, whether he likes it or not,” he declared.

The running battles continued until around 2 p.m., when authorities regained control, leaving the town eerily quiet as shops closed and public transport stalled.

Local traders bore the brunt of the unrest, with many lamenting significant losses. “We closed our shops to avoid looting. This has ruined our sales on a busy market day,” said a shopkeeper on Mumias Road. Another trader from Busia, who declined to be named, expressed frustration at the lack of security planning. “I travelled all the way here, but now I’m guarding my stall instead of selling. Political leaders need to ensure safety before mobilising crowds.”

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