Running battles broke out at Kakamega Central Police Station on Monday, October 12, after police fired tear gas and shots into the air to disperse Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leaders and activists seeking investigations into alleged political intimidation involving Governor Fernandes Barasa.
The group, led by DCP Secretary-General Cleophas Malala and lawyer Ken Echesa, had visited the station to present a petition accusing the Kakamega governor of using intimidation and violence against perceived political opponents.
Tensions escalated shortly after the leaders arrived, with police reportedly firing tear gas canisters and shots into the air, triggering confusion and a scuffle at the station.
Journalists covering the confrontation were also caught up in the chaos, with police reportedly confiscating some of their equipment. The equipment was later returned following Malala’s intervention.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of growing political tensions in Kakamega, including a dispute surrounding the arrest of a Nairobi-based blogger linked to a controversial social media post involving the governor.
Malala Accuses Governor of Political Intimidation
In the petition presented to police, Malala called for investigations into alleged politically motivated attacks, intimidation and violence targeting residents and political opponents.
He accused some security officers of failing to act impartially, arguing that individuals responsible for the reported incidents should be investigated.
“We have presented a public petition to the police leadership in Kakamega in what seems to be runaway political violence, goonship and intimidation of the people from compromised officers,” Malala stated.
The former senator further alleged that more than 300 people had been recruited and trained to attack political rivals, torch houses and target residents.
Malala shared photographs of burnt houses and injured people with journalists as he sought to draw attention to the allegations.
The claims had not been independently verified, and the governor’s response to the specific accusations was not included in the account of the incident.
DCP Leaders Demand DCI Action
Malala also called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the reported attacks, accusing investigators of failing to take decisive action against individuals allegedly linked to the incidents.
He demanded that authorities investigate the allegations and hold anyone found responsible accountable.
The DCP secretary-general further protested the arrest of digital content creators, particularly blogger Anyama wa Anyama, arguing that criminal proceedings should not be used to suppress online expression.
The arrest has added to tensions surrounding the dispute, with Malala and his allies demanding investigations into the allegations against Barasa.
However, the circumstances surrounding the blogger’s arrest and the allegations against the governor remain separate matters that require investigation by the relevant authorities.
Social Media Dispute Fuels Political Tensions
The confrontation follows a public dispute between Malala and Barasa over a controversial social media post allegedly linked to the former senator and targeting the governor.
The post reportedly triggered legal concerns, while the subsequent arrest of a blogger over alleged comments associated with the controversy further intensified the disagreement.
Malala has since used the matter to demand accountability and challenge what he describes as intimidation of political opponents and online content creators.
The competing allegations have brought renewed attention to political tensions in Kakamega, with calls for the police and investigative agencies to establish the facts surrounding the reported incidents.
Malala Eyes Kakamega Governor’s Seat in 2027
The dispute comes as Malala prepares to pursue the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the August 2027 General Election on a DCP ticket
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He is seeking to unseat Barasa, who is expected to defend his position on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
The political contest is unfolding as parties and potential candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general election.
Monday’s confrontation at the police station has added another flashpoint to the rivalry, with Malala demanding investigations into alleged political violence while the controversy surrounding the blogger’s arrest continues to attract attention.
The next steps by the police and the DCI will be crucial in establishing the facts behind the allegations and determining whether any individuals should face further legal action.
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