A rally planned by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Kakamega town ended in disarray after police used teargas to disperse crowds that were gathering to witness the event in Kakamega on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Cleophas Malala, the newly unveiled deputy party leader of DCP, Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kiambu Senator Karung’o Thang’wa were among those caught in the melee as police lobbed tear gas to disperse crowds.

According to the party’s declaration on Friday, May 23, 2025, the rally was planned as a homecoming for the former senator, fresh from being appointed as the new deputy party leader.

The former senator was also scheduled to host his party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, in the region as part of the party’s popularisation initiative across the nation following its unveiling on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Earlier on, proceedings were, however, largely calm and orderly as crowds of people donning CDP colours made their way into the town’s Central Business District amid a heavy presence of police and law enforcement officers.

The palpable tension nevertheless turned tumultuous moments after Malala and Senator Methu stood to address the crowds from the top of a vehicle.

The police fired tear gas, prompting the sizeable crowds to scatter under a heavy cloud of white smoke, dispersing the crowds that were chanting the party slogans and anti-government songs.

DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua had not been spotted anywhere at the time of the melee, and it remains unclear if he had already joined the politicians for the rally.

The clashes come after Malala dared President William Ruto against proceeding with any scheme to arrest or imprison former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, declaring that such a move will ignite Kenyans’ fury.

Speaking in Manyatta Constituency in Embu on Friday, May 23, 2025, Malala insisted it would be a grave misstep for the head of state to threaten Gachagua.

“We would like to tell William Ruto that he troubled Uhuru Kenyatta for five years, yet Uhuru never locked him up. If you want to understand how these Kenyans behave, try to arrest Rigathi Gachagua. We are daring you. If you are a man, try it. Arrest Rigathi Gachagua. Then you will understand how Kenya truly behaves,” he declared.

Malala further asserted that Ruto has resolved to issue threats, claiming that it is because of his inability to lead effectively, confirmed by various leaders who were once part of his inner circle but abandoned him for various reasons.