Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to summon Cleophas Malala, accusing him of spreading defamatory claims linking the governor to alleged abductions in the county.
Barasa, speaking at a public function on Saturday, July 12, said Malala, who currently serves as the Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has been running what he termed a “false propaganda campaign” online, alleging the governor’s involvement in a string of disappearances.
“I want the DCI to summon Cleophas Malala so that he can explain and justify the abduction claims he is making about me,” Barasa said. “He must tell us the truth. We cannot allow people to spread rumours and propaganda on social media unchecked.”The governor also urged the DCI to investigate Malala’s allegations thoroughly and that if any wrongdoing is uncovered, those found responsible, himself included, should be held accountable by the law.
Barasa claimed Malala’s statements are politically motivated and part of his early campaign to disgrace him ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections.
He dismissed the accusations as a distraction and urged his political rival to focus on presenting his agenda to voters.
“We are busy delivering services to the people of Kakamega. If he wants to lead, let him come and tell people his plans, not insult others,” the governor added.In June, Malala claimed he was removed from his UDA role after compiling a document tracking the president’s campaign pledges and attempting to hold the leadership accountable. He said efforts to raise these issues were met with suspicion, and he was eventually sidelined.
“We were seen as moles when we tried to push for what was promised,” Malala said during a June 23 press conference.
