Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala was dramatically arrested on Wednesday night. The incident quickly went viral, triggering outrage and concern across the country.
The arrest revolves around a controversial play, Echoes of War, which Malala wrote for Butere Girls Secondary School.
The play, touching on themes of protest and resistance, stirred national attention when it made it to the finals of the national drama festivals.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who has been tracking Malala since his arrest, has revealed his whereabouts. The unfolding events have ignited fierce debate about freedom of expression, justice, and political intimidation.
Where is Cleophas Malala Being Held?
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru confirmed that Malala is being held at Eldama Ravine Police Station. Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Malala during a late-night ambush.
They first took him to Nakuru Central Police Station, then transferred him to an unknown location. Njiru said the transfer happened in a DCI Subaru, leaving his legal team scrambling for answers.
Njiru described Malala as “a prisoner of conscience.” He urged supporters and fellow lawyers to mobilize urgently, claiming the arrest was politically motivated.
Malala’s driver gave initial updates to the lawyer, helping trace the former senator’s path from Nakuru to Eldama Ravine.
Why Was the Former Senator Arrested?
The arrest appears linked to Echoes of War, the play Malala authored. The play caused a stir at Butere Girls Secondary School.
The principal had earlier sent home the students who were supposed to perform it. Their slot was handed to Vihiga Boys High School. However, a court order allowed the Butere Girls to return and perform the play.
Despite the court ruling, Malala was banned from visiting the students at Kirobon Girls Secondary School, where they were staying for the festival.
As the national drama festival continued at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru, DCI officers blocked access to the venue.
High security now surrounds the location, allowing only students and officials inside. Journalists have been barred.
Public Outcry Over Malala Arrest
Malala’s arrest triggered a chaotic scene. DCI officers surrounded his vehicle. Malala complained that he was never shown an arrest warrant. Tear gas was thrown at the crowd, affecting bystanders and journalists who had come to report on the incident.
The arrest has drawn criticism from various political figures and civil society groups. Many argue that the authorities overreacted. Critics say arresting someone over a high school play goes against Kenya’s democratic values.
Among the defenders was former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He accused the government of using state power to silence dissent and creativity.
“The use of the criminal justice system to suppress creativity and social audit has reached alarming proportions,” Gachagua said. “It’s shameful that dozens of DCI detectives in five vehicles were dispatched to arrest Malala for writing a script.”
Others have also questioned why such force was used over a fictional play that merely reflected recent events, like the Gen Z protests of June 2024.
