Malala says public pain is driving resistance against police brutality
By Cy Muganda, January 31, 2026Former Kakamega senator and Democracy for the Citizen’s Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala says growing public pain and anger are fuelling resistance against police brutality, as opposition leaders intensify pressure on security agencies following recent violent confrontations.
In a statement posted on his Facebook account on January 30, 2026, Malala said he had met the Inspector General of Police to demand immediate action over what he described as domestic terrorism unleashed on innocent women and children within places of worship.
“After meeting the Inspector General of Police—where we demanded immediate action against police brutality and the chilling acts of domestic terrorism unleashed on innocent women and children within places of worship—we made a stop at Wakulima Market,” Malala said.
Engaging with Nairobi residents
He said the opposition leaders used the visit to Wakulima Market to engage Nairobi residents and listen to their concerns, noting that public frustration with the current state of the country was evident.
“We listened to the great people of Nairobi and reaffirmed our shared resolve. The pain in the country is real—but so is the courage of the people,” he said.
Malala said the opposition remained united and determined, insisting that public resistance would not be broken by intimidation or force.
“We remain united. We remain resolute. The Wantam train is unstoppable,” he said.
Witima church attack
His remarks come days after a tense incident in Nyeri County, where Malala and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were tear-gassed while attending a church service at Wiltima ACK Church in Othaya.
Speaking on a local media station on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Malala had described the attack as reminiscent of the horrors of the 2007/08 post-election violence.
“I must start by saying that today was such a horrific day. And I quickly flash back on the 2007-2008 post-election violence. Since there were no survivors in the Kiambaa church massacre, nobody is there to tell the story. For once, I felt the pain and agony that those mothers and children went through before they met their ultimate death,” Malala said.
He recounted how tear gas filled the compound, gunshots rang out, and children attempting to leave the church encountered violence from police officers.
“It was quite a horrific scene. We had just started the service and were barely even a third into the service, we had tear gas all over the compound, gunshots, live bullets. When children tried to go out to the church, they met with police officers beating them, harassing our mothers, harassing the clergy, and even going ahead to touch our party leaders’ vehicles. They destroyed most of our vehicles that had parked there,” he stated.
Malala also accused police officers of facilitating the attack by transporting suspected thugs in police vehicles.
“To my surprise, police officers were escorting goons using a police vehicle. The number plates have been exposed by our party leader today. That was such a horrific moment,” he added.