Willis Otieno Rebukes DCI Over Malala Helicopter Probe: "This Is Civil Aviation, Not Criminal"

• Lawyer Willis Otieno accused the DCI of 'overstepping boundaries' following their involvement in the Cleophas Malala helicopter landing case
• He revealed the body that is supposed to handle the matter and the reason why the DCI can be allowed to join in the investigation
• His reaction came after authorities summoned Malala after his helicopter landed in a school during games

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Politician and lawyer Willis Otieno has criticised the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for summoning Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala over an alleged unauthorised helicopter landing at Mumias Sports Complex.

The helicopter reportedly landed without clearance during halftime of the national secondary school games finals between Musingu High School and St. Joseph’s Kitale.

The descent, witnessed by thousands of students, teachers, and officials, sparked concern over potential aviation violations.

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Western region police commander Issa Muhamoud termed the act a breach of aviation laws and public safety protocols.

Is DCI supposed to investigate Malala?

Reacting to the matter, Otieno argued that while he disapproved of the landing, the investigation falls under civil aviation authorities, not the DCI.

He labelled the summons an example of institutional overreach, stressing that such issues should be handled by regulatory bodies unless there is clear evidence of criminal intent.

"I don't support the guy, but this is a textbook example of institutional overreach. Landing a helicopter in an unauthorised location like a school stadium during a public event is a civil aviation regulatory matter, not a criminal investigation (unless there's evidence of clear criminal intent, e.g. endangerment or sabotage). The DCI is not the proper agency to issue air safety sanctions, investigate flight plan breaches, and enforce airspace regulations," he said.

In another post, he wrote, "A very lazy DCI. Did he land in the playground?"

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Meanwhile, Malala and his pilot have been summoned to appear at the DCI offices in Kakamega on Friday, August 8.

Has Cleophas Malala been summoned before?

Meanwhile, this is not the first time Malala has faced a police summons.

In May 2025, Mahamoud summoned the former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's ally over the chaos that erupted during the party's tour in Kakamega.

The incident led to the impounding of three of Malala’s vehicles. Authorities accused him of failing to notify the police in advance before holding the political rally, a legal requirement.

One of his drivers was also arrested after a high-speed chase, during which he attempted to flee before being apprehended and treated for injuries.

Was Cleophas Malala arrested over Butere play?

A month earlier, Malala was apprehended over a controversial play he had scripted for Butere Girls High School.

The incident unfolded outside Kiboron Girls High School, where Butere students had arrived ahead of a scheduled drama festival.

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Malala questioned the basis of his arrest, expressing frustration over being targeted for his involvement in the school production.

The arrest drew criticism from various quarters, with concerns raised about freedom of expression and artistic censorship in educational spaces.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke