Malala Warns Ruto Against Arresting Gachagua, Citing Risk of Public Outrage

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has warned President William Ruto against proceeding with any scheme to arrest or imprison former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, declaring that such a move could ignite Kenyans’ fury.

Speaking in Manyatta Constituency in Embu, Malala castigated Ruto, stating that it is unjustified for him to target Gachagua when, during his tenure as second in command, former President Uhuru Kenyatta never pursued him with threats of incarceration.

According to Malala, Ruto had similarly disturbed Uhuru and denied him peace, and it would be a grave misstep for the Head of State to threaten Gachagua when his predecessor never resorted to such measures.

“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 because of his inability to lead effectively — a fact confirmed by several leaders who were once close to him but have since parted ways.

He cited himself as a case in point, having served as UDA party secretary general, and also mentioned former Attorney General Justin Muturi and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi. According to Malala, their departure reflects serious cracks in Ruto’s leadership.

“I have heard MPs speaking here. And it is true that our Kenya is in a dire state. If you hear me, who was Secretary General of UDA, saying Kenya is in a bad place, you ought to listen. If you hear Gachagua, former Deputy President, saying Kenya is in a bad place, listen. If you hear former Attorney General Honourable Justin Muturi saying Kenya is in a bad place, listen. If you hear former CS Linturi saying Kenya is in a bad place, listen,” he added.

He appealed to Kenyans to pay attention to leaders who are breaking ranks with Ruto, claiming that their concerns are valid and based on lived experience.

“We were observing very closely, and therefore when we say something, you should listen attentively. Just listen. We were indeed sitting with this William Ruto.”

Ultimatum Over Kihara’s Security

Malala, who was received with pomp and colour in the Gitonga-Mukunji-led constituency, also criticized the recent withdrawal of security from Naivasha MP Jane Kihara. He warned President Ruto that he would be held accountable if anything happened to her.

“Even yesterday, Honorable Jane Kihara, a woman of respect, had her security withdrawn. We want to tell Ruto that if anything happens to Jane Kihara or our MPs who do not see eye to eye with you, you will be responsible,” Malala stated.

He expressed concern over the kind of leadership being exhibited, questioning why a leader would strip a respected female MP of protection. He insinuated that such actions could be driven by political intolerance.

Malala insisted that if anything unfortunate occurred, they would not hesitate to hold the president accountable. He further urged Ruto to come forward and explain the reasoning behind the sudden move.

“Up to now, Ruto has gone so far as to make even female MPs, women like Jane Kihara, feel threatened to the point that their security is taken away. But because it is you, you know why you are withdrawing their security.”

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.