Police Fire Teargas, Rubber Bullets as Malala’s Homecoming Rally Turns Chaotic

Anti-riot officers clash with DCP supporters in Kakamega as deputy party leader attempts political comeback

Kakamega Town descended into chaos Saturday morning as anti-riot police officers unleashed teargas canisters and fired rubber bullets to disperse supporters of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala during what was meant to be a triumphant homecoming rally.

The dramatic scenes unfolded around 11 a.m. when the former Kakamega Senator, accompanied by Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, attempted to make a grand entry into his home constituency after joining the newly formed opposition party.

Police officers patrol the streets of Kakamega in a landcruiser to disperse supporters of Democracy for the Citizens Party on May 24, 2025.

What began as a celebratory reception by enthusiastic youth at Amalemba Estate quickly spiraled into running battles between police and Malala’s supporters, paralyzing business activities across the town center as shop owners shuttered their premises fearing potential looting.

The confrontation reached its peak when police barricaded roads leading into Kakamega town, effectively blocking Malala’s motorcade.

In a desperate bid to escape the escalating violence, the former senator was forced to abandon his vehicle—after officers lobbed teargas inside and deflated one of its tires—and flee on a motorcycle.

Despite the police crackdown, Malala managed to reach the town center where he briefly addressed supporters and media before being dispersed again.

His message was defiant and politically charged.

Malala waves to the crowd.

“This is the beginning of liberation of the people of the Western region,” Malala declared to the crowd.

“Over the years, we have been used and dumped by people who have used our numbers to grow. I have joined hands with Rigathi Gachagua and formed a party that will make Ruto a one-term president.”

The former senator’s criticism extended beyond President William Ruto to include Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga, whom he accused of abandoning the Western region after years of political support.

“We have had the opposition, but ODM leader Raila Odinga has used us and is now dining with the government,” Malala stated, referencing Odinga’s recent cooperation with the ruling administration.

Senator Methu, who witnessed teargas being fired into his vehicle, accused the government of weaponizing state agencies against political critics.

“As long as we are still alive, we are going to make him a one-term president, whether he likes it or not,” he vowed.

The streets of Kakamega town after police fired teargas to disperse supporters of Democracy for the Citizens Party on May 24, 2025.

The heavy-handed police response drew sharp criticism from the DCP leadership, with Malala condemning what he termed the suppression of dissenting voices.

“This was a peaceful event and I don’t understand why the police decided to disrupt it,” he said.

The incident highlights growing tensions between the government and emerging opposition formations, particularly as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua seeks to establish DCP as a viable political alternative ahead of future elections.

For residents of Kakamega, Saturday’s events served as a stark reminder of how quickly political gatherings can spiral into violence, disrupting daily life and economic activities in what was supposed to be a day of political celebration for Malala’s supporters in his home region.

The dramatic homecoming may have been cut short, but it succeeded in delivering Malala’s central message: that DCP intends to challenge the status quo and position itself as the voice of Kenya’s opposition politics.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​