Cleophas Malala, Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has condemned the alleged withdrawal of security for opposition leaders, warning that it endangers lives and breaches the Constitution.
Speaking in an interview with Radio Generation on Wednesday, Malala expressed deep concern over the removal of armed police officers from key individuals, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
"Regarding Gachagua, security was withdrawn. So he's no longer protected by the state. He has no armed police officer," Malala said.
He added that the security of opposition members of parliament has also been affected, claiming that "all their security officers were withdrawn." According to him, the officers have returned to the Service General Bureau, leaving leaders vulnerable.
Malala directed a strong message to the head of state, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "If today anything happens to regarding Rigathi Gachagua, this country will no longer be the same," he warned, stressing that the government has a duty to protect its citizens, particularly leaders who have held significant positions.
Drawing comparisons with past administrations, Malala highlighted inconsistencies in the protection of opposition figures.
"Under President Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga received security as the opposition leader. Similarly, during Mwai Kibaki’s presidency, Uhuru Kenyatta was accorded security in the same role," he said. He added that opposition leaders have a constitutional right to protection. “As leaders, we have a constitutional right to security.”
Focusing on Rigathi Gachagua’s vulnerability, Malala stressed that the former deputy president is not an ordinary citizen. “Gachagua is not an ordinary civilian; he was elected Deputy President of Kenya.
Denying him security is in bad faith; every Kenyan, including him, deserves protection," he said. Malala further accused authorities of ignoring repeated appeals for protection. “Our security has been withdrawn. We’ve reported these incidents 16 times, yet nothing has been done.”
Highlighting past political dynamics, Malala reminded the public of the treatment former Deputy President William Ruto received while serving under President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"William Ruto was the deputy president for Uhuru Kenyatta. William Ruto is, or was, the most insubordinating deputy president a country has ever heard. But Uhuru Kenyatta respected him, tolerated him, and even gave him security," he said.
Malala added that, although Ruto faced certain strategic challenges, he was not exposed to the level of mistreatment currently seen, which he described as sometimes visible to the public rather than behind closed doors.
Malala’s statement highlights mounting concerns over the safety of opposition leaders and the implications for national stability.
He urged the government to consider the risks of leaving prominent figures without adequate protection, framing it as both a legal duty and a moral obligation of the state.
