Cleophas Malala Faces Arrest over "Reckless, Dangerous" Chopper Landing in Kakamega
- DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala has been summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
- The Western region police commander, Issa Mahamoud, called out Malala over a dangerous chopper landing
- The police boss highlighted several reasons why Malala's actions and those of his pilot were unacceptable
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Democracy for Citizen Party (DCP) deputy leader, Cleophas Malala, is once again at loggerheads with law enforcement.
Source: Facebook
Malala has been ordered to present himself at the Regional Criminal Investigations Officer (RCIO) offices in Kakamega.
Why is Malala facing arrest?
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, August 5, Western Region Police Commander Issa Mahamoud stated that Malala was involved in a dangerous and reckless chopper landing.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Mahamoud stated that Malala's chopper descended and landed abruptly without any prior notice or coordination on a field that was occupied by children and school officials.
The police boss argued that Malala's move to land his chopper at the Mumias Sports Complex Stadium during the national secondary school games put lives at risk.
"It was not an emergency landing, and it was not an accident. It was reckless, self-serving publicity orchestrated by a known politician, Cleophas Malala, who sought nothing other than political mileage and personal glorification at the expense of the safety and well-being of our children and our citizens," Mahamoud said.
Were Malala's actions wrong?
Explaining further why Malala's actions were wrong, Mahamoud stated that the move caused panic, as he violated every aviation protocol known.
He cited the worst-case scenario, stating that the helicopter could have crashed, and lives could have been lost, calling on the matter to be taken seriously.
"Let us not downplay the matter. This could have been a very serious thing. That politician and the pilot are irresponsible, reckless, and a national embarrassment criminal offence for that matter. You may be seeking a political photo opportunity, but you caused a direct threat to children. Leadership is not about protection, it is about service," he added.
Calling on Malala to honour summons, the police boss warned of dire consequences, including facing criminal charges should they be found guilty of unauthorised landing.
"I call on ex-Kakamega senator to report to the DCI offices before Friday. So he can record his statement,"Mahamoud said.
Malala summoned over chaos during Western tour
This is not the first time Malala has been summoned by the police boss. On Tuesday, May 27, Mahamoud gave Malala 72 hours to report to the Kakamega Police Station to record a statement.
Source: Facebook
He explained that the former senator was summoned over the chaos that broke out during the DCP party tour that occurred in Kakamega on Saturday, May 24.
The dramatic incident also led to the impounding of Malala's vehicles, which he was supposed to use for the tour.
Mahamoud also accused Malala of failing to notify the police before holding a political rally.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
