Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has been issued a 72-hour ultimatum to surrender to authorities over disturbances during a political rally held in Kakamega on Saturday, May 24.

The directive was issued by Western Region Police Commander Issa Mahamoud, who said Malala must appear at Kakamega Police Station to record a statement regarding the chaotic scenes witnessed during the rally. Failure to do so, the commander warned, will lead to his arrest.

“We expected him to show up today. If he fails to report within the next 72 hours, we will find and arrest him,” Mahamoud stated during a press briefing on Tuesday, May 27.

The police allege that Malala did not notify authorities of his intention to hold the rally — a violation of public assembly regulations that require prior communication at least three days in advance. Mahamoud emphasized that the event disrupted transport and business operations within the town.

In addition to organizing the rally without notification, Malala is also accused of violating traffic laws. The police claim his convoy drove on the wrong side of the road at high speed, endangering public safety.

“His driver, who was speeding and driving on the wrong side, is in our custody. The vehicle has also been impounded,” Mahamoud added.

The chaos erupted when a convoy led by Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu was intercepted by police as it approached Kakamega town. In video clips circulating online, security officers are seen lobbing tear gas at the procession, prompting supporters to flee in panic.

Malala later issued a statement accusing the police of using excessive force, including live bullets, to disperse what he described as a peaceful welcome event.

“I strongly condemn the use of brute force, live bullets, and unnecessary teargas by our security agencies to disperse a peaceful procession merely welcoming their leader,” he said.

As the standoff continues, Malala’s response to the police ultimatum remains to be seen. Authorities maintain that due legal procedures must be followed, especially when public safety is at risk.