Malala sustains threats of dragging Ruto to ICC
By Joel Masibo, August 19, 2025Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader, Cleophas Malala, has warned President William Ruto, threatening to seek his prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over what he terms as extrajudicial killings, abductions, and illegal detentions linked to anti-government protests.
Speaking on a local TV station on Monday night, August 18, 2025, in the wake of the June 2024 deadly demonstrations and the recent wave of anti-government unrest, Malala accused Ruto’s administration of presiding over widespread human rights violations. He claimed the state had normalised the abduction of protestors, unlawful detentions, and killings of innocent civilians.
“If William Ruto continues with the extrajudicial killings, abductions, and illegal state detentions, we are compiling all cases, and we will take him to the ICC. He has been there before, and he knows it is possible,” Malala said.
The former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party secretary general’s remarks revive memories of Ruto’s past ICC case, in which he faced crimes against humanity charges following the 2007/08 post-election violence before the charges were eventually dropped.
At the same time, Malala reaffirmed that his party would field a presidential candidate in 2027, naming former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as their choice. According to Malala, Gachagua represents the alternative leadership that can steer the country away from what he described as “state capture and corruption cartels.”
Ruto running conman syndicate
He further accused President Ruto of running what he termed a “conman syndicate” within government, particularly about the eCitizen platform, where Kenyans are charged for accessing essential government services.
“William Ruto has gotten into a conman syndicate. We are charging Kenyans for transacting on eCitizen,” Malala said, vowing that DCP would push back against what he sees as the exploitation of ordinary citizens.
The sharp criticism adds to growing political tension as the government continues to face public dissent over the high cost of living, controversial taxation policies, and allegations of authoritarianism.
However, Malala’s sentiments come amid President William Ruto reaffirming his commitment to steering Kenya through a transformative journey, declaring his willingness to make personal sacrifices to deliver the country. The Head of State was speaking during the ODM–Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting in Karen on Monday, August 18, 2025, where he said Kenya has an opportunity to realise its national ambitions