Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala’s Security Withdrawn for 'Demeaning' Police Officers

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has withdrawn Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala’s security detail.

The withdrawal follows Senator Malala’s remarks at a political rally in Kakamega last week where he opined that police officers do not need any academic qualifications as their work only entails holding firearms.

"Kazi ya askari si nikushika bunduki tu pekee yake? Hio inahitaji masomo yoyote kweli? Kama mtu amemaliza Form Four na alipata C plus, tumpeleke university asome; kazi ya askari ni hawa jamaa ambao wako hapa wenye waliacha shule na hawakufanikiwa kumaliza shule,” Malala was quoted as saying.

In a statement on Sunday, NPSC Chairperson Eliud Kinuthia accused Senator Malala of demeaning police officers, adding that the politician must tender a proper apology for his security to be reinstated.

"We know you Senator Malala. You must come and apologize properly to the police. We have agreed with the Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai that you will continue moving around in Kakamega without security. If you want, you can take all those youths you claim have dropped out of school in Kakamega and make them your security. My police officers will not protect a politician who does not respect them,” Kinuthia stated.

"The senator will have to ask forgiveness in a respectful manner. We as the police have agreed that we will not provide security until he properly apologizes.”

Malala, who is eyeing the Kakamega governor’s seat in the August 9th elections on an ANC party ticket, earlier issued a public apology, saying his remarks were taken out of context.