Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has condemned the government’s withdrawal of security details for opposition figures, warning it endangers lives and undermines constitutional rights.

The remarks came amid heightened tensions following a chaotic incident at a church service in Nyeri County on Sunday, January 25, 2026, where teargas disrupted worshippers, including children and clergy.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Monday, January 26, 2026, Malala stressed the fundamental right to security, particularly for opposition leaders representing large groups of Kenyans.

“Our constitution is very clear. We have the freedom to worship. I don’t have to inform or notify any police officer when I go to worship in a church,” he said. He added that both his security and that of his party leader had been withdrawn.

“My party leader has no security. I do not have security. We’ve pleaded with this government, asked the government of the day to give us security. We are part of the opposition.”

Historical context and constitutional rights

The deputy party leader drew comparisons with past administrations to highlight inconsistencies in protection. “When Uhuru Kenyatta was the president of the Republic of Kenya, Raila Odinga was the leader of the opposition. He was given security. When Kibaki was the president, he used to give Uhuru Kenyatta security as the leader of the opposition.”

Malala argued that opposition leaders have a constitutional entitlement to security. “Because we are also leading people. And therefore, it is our constitutional right for us also to have security.”

He also highlighted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s vulnerability. “Regarding Gachagua, he’s not just an ordinary civilian. He was the deputy president, elected deputy president of this Republic of Kenya. Denying him security is first of all in bad faith. Because he is a Kenyan, he needs security.”

Concerns over police conduct

Malala accused authorities of ignoring repeated pleas for protection. “They have withdrawn our security. We have reported these incidents 16 times. They have not done anything.”

He questioned the relevance of notifying police about church attendance when previous failures had left leaders exposed. “So to what help will it be for us to notify the area police that we are going to a church service? When we got into the church, their attacks were done. The area OCS did not even come to our rescue.

He further challenged claims that police were unaware of potential chaos. “Can police feign ignorance in terms of saying they didn’t know about any plans to cause chaos? But you see, let’s assume they didn’t know, but there was chaos. What did they do about it? Nothing.”

Malala cited videos showing officers shooting at vehicles and questioned whether police were there to rescue or harm them.

Reflecting on the broader implications, he warned that such acts evoke painful memories of the 2007-2008 post-election violence.

“This country is operating, we are on autopilot. We do not have a leader. This is a shameful act that will be inscribed in the history of Kenya, that children can be tear gassed.”