Police officers lob teargas at Kakamega Central Police
Station during a protest led by DCP deputy party
leader Cleophas Malala on October 12, 2026 / SCREENGRABPolice fired teargas into the air at Kakamega Central Police Station on Monday as a protest led by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala turned chaotic.
People were seen running as officers moved to control the crowd, while teargas filled the station field. Armed police officers in full uniform were deployed to contain the situation.
Malala, lawyer Ken Echesa and a group of activists had arrived at the station to present a petition over the arrest of a Nairobi-based digital creator in connection with social media content linked to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.
Malala questioned the arrest, arguing that authorities should pursue those who published the material rather than people who commented on it.
“If you want to arrest someone for posting Barasa, then it is me. It is me who posted. Why are you arresting him?” Malala said while addressing the media at the station.
The dispute centres on online material purporting to depict Barasa in a ritual setting. The county government has rejected the material, describing it as manipulated and AI-generated.
In a statement dated September 29, the County Government of Kakamega accused Malala and his associates of circulating a fabricated video intended to damage the governor’s reputation.
The statement said the video combined an official photograph of Barasa with manipulated content depicting him in an objectionable setting with an individual alleged to be a witch doctor.
The county government said it had initiated legal action against Malala and other people involved in the publication and dissemination of the material, adding that the matter had been referred to the relevant authorities.
It also cited Articles 28 and 33(3) of the Constitution, arguing that freedom of expression must be exercised with respect for the dignity and reputation of others.
The county government urged residents not to circulate the material, describing it as false and malicious. It maintained that the governor remained focused on implementing the county’s development agenda.
