Democratic Congress Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has found himself at the center of controversy after remarks he made about President William Ruto sparked outrage, with one citizen now demanding his arrest.
On Tuesday, August 19, Stanley Mwangi Wairimu traveled from Nyandarua to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Kiambu, where he presented documents and video evidence against Malala. Mwangi vowed to camp at the offices until the former Kakamega senator is arrested over his “disrespectful” remarks targeting the Head of State.
The uproar stems from comments Malala made last week while criticizing the government’s handling of alleged extrajudicial killings and compensation for affected families. In his statement, Malala argued that monetary compensation could never equate to the loss of a child. He went on to challenge President Ruto directly, suggesting that Kenyans could raise Ksh10 million and give it to the President, then have him lose a child to determine if money was sufficient compensation.
“The question we are asking William Ruto is, how much is enough to compensate for a dead child? Is it 2, 5, or 10 million? As Kenyans, we want to fundraise that amount, Ksh10 million, then give it to you, your child dies, and you see whether it will be enough compensation for a dead child,” Malala said.
Mwangi has condemned the remarks as insensitive and disrespectful to both the President and the presidency. “Even if he hates the President, let him at least respect the President’s office,” Mwangi told reporters outside the DCI headquarters.
The agitated complainant further urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to act swiftly against leaders who make inflammatory statements. He warned that if no action is taken, he will continue to stage protests outside the DCI offices.
While acknowledging that Kenyans have the constitutional right to freedom of expression, Mwangi insisted that leaders must exercise responsibility. “Kenya belongs to all of us. Let’s give leaders a chance to work for us, and when it’s time for politics, you are free to politic,” he said.
Malala is yet to respond formally to the mounting calls for his arrest.
