By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 17, 2026 - A fresh political storm erupted in Kakamega after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malalah formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police to arrest and prosecute Governor Fernandes Barasa over alleged links to criminal gangs accused of terrorising residents and political opponents.
In a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and copied to senior security officials, Malalah alleged that criminal gangs operating in Kakamega County were being used to intimidate, attack and silence critics of the county administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Kakamega Senator claimed the gangs had been involved in violent attacks, destruction of property, robberies and assaults targeting individuals perceived to oppose the governor politically.
"We have credible, verifiable and undeniable evidence gathered from both victims of his gang attacks and members of the gang who confess in confidence to having been hired to intimidate, attack and maim citizens who publicly oppose the governor's political ideologies," Malalah said in the letter.
The DCP official further alleged that he and his supporters were recently attacked while holding what he described as a peaceful consultative meeting in the Matungu area of Kakamega County.
According to Malalah, armed youths allegedly disrupted the gathering using crude weapons, blocked roads with rocks and burning tyres and left several people injured.
"Several people from my camp were robbed and injured, including one hospitalized with serious machete cuts on the head," he claimed.
Malalah also accused local security officers of failing to take action despite the alleged attacks occurring in broad daylight, claiming that no meaningful investigations or arrests had been carried out.
He specifically called for the arrest and prosecution of Governor Barasa, the removal of senior police officers in the county and the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in the attacks.
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"The biggest concern is the silence by senior police officers in charge of these areas," he stated, alleging that some officers had failed in their constitutional duty to protect citizens.
The accusations place Governor Barasa at the centre of a growing political confrontation in Western Kenya as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next election cycle.
Malalah's letter comes amid heightened political activity in the region, where opposition leaders have increasingly accused state and county officials of using intimidation to suppress dissent, claims that government officials have consistently denied.
In a move likely to escalate political tensions further, the DCP deputy leader also notified security agencies of a planned peaceful procession by Kakamega residents to present a petition to county authorities over the grievances raised in the letter.
The planned march, according to Malalah, will bring together political leaders, members of the clergy, business people, youth groups, women and residents who claim to have been affected by insecurity in the county.
By last evening, neither Governor Barasa nor county officials had publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
The National Police Service is also yet to indicate whether investigations will be launched following the complaints raised by the DCP leadership.