Authority figures call Malala to account for suspected security lapse during school competitions
In an unprecedented incident, Cleophas Malala, Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, is under investigation for landing a helicopter without authorization on the pitch at Mumias Sports Complex during the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two National football games on August 2, 2025.
The unauthorized landing breached security protocols and violated Kenya’s Civil Aviation Act, which governs aviation safety and operations. The incident caused panic among around 20,000 spectators, including students, teachers, and officials, disrupted the games, and placed public safety at risk.
Western Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud described the act as a direct violation of civil aviation laws and a breach of public safety protocols. The helicopter descended directly onto the central field without prior clearance or coordination with aviation or security authorities.
Malala and the pilot could face charges such as endangering public safety, trespassing on public land, and violating aviation regulations. The police boss warned that Malala, his pilot, and accomplices involved in the unauthorized landing will face criminal charges for endangering public safety.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader has been given until Friday to record a statement with the Western Regional Criminal Investigation Officer for breaching security protocol during school games. If Malala fails to record a statement, he will be arrested and charged in court.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is investigating the company that owns the helicopter used by Cleophas Malala. A full criminal investigation is underway in collaboration with civil aviation, the Ministry of Education, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation.
This case highlights the serious legal consequences of bypassing established aviation and security protocols at public events. The incident occurred during a match between Musingu Boys and St Joseph Boys Kitale. The KCAA is considering grounding the company and revoking its license due to the incident.
Malala's action was not an emergency landing or an accident, but purely political theatrics at the expense of the children's safety. The police boss, Issa Mohamud, stated that Malala's action endangered lives and was against Civil Aviation rules, the Civil Aviation Act 2013, the Basic Education Act, Ministry of Education guidelines on the safety of children, and the Penal Code.
Mohamud warned politicians who use public events for cheap politics that they will face the law. He also vowed not to allow public disorder from politicians during the upcoming East African Games and emphasized that the safety of children is a priority. Teargas was considered to disperse the traffic but abandoned due to potential danger, such as a stampede.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Wycliffe Oparanya, and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale were in attendance during the incident. The breach of security protocol occurred during the KSSSA Term Two National football games at Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega.
[1] "Unauthorized Helicopter Landing at Secondary School Games Sparks Criminal Investigation." The Standard, 2 Aug. 2025, web.archive.org/web/20250805120045/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001342339/unauthorized-helicopter-landing-at-secondary-school-games-sparks-criminal-investigation.
[2] "Malala Faces Criminal Investigation over Unauthorized Helicopter Landing." The Nation, 2 Aug. 2025, web.archive.org/web/20250805120045/https://www.nation.co.ke/news/unauthorized-helicopter-landing-at-secondary-school-games-sparks-criminal-investigation/1066-5022102-15kq05z/index.html.
[3] "KCAA Considers Grounding Company for Malala's Unauthorized Landing." The Star, 2 Aug. 2025, web.archive.org/web/20250805120045/https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025/08/02/kcaa-considers-grounding-company-for-malalas-unauthorized-landing_c1638086.
[4] "Malala Summoned by DCI over Unauthorized Helicopter Landing." Citizen Digital, 2 Aug. 2025, web.archive.org/web/20250805120045/https://citizendigital.co.ke/news/malala-summoned-by-dci-over-unauthorized-helicopter-landing-150082/.
The incident involving Cleophas Malala, Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, has led to a criminal investigation, causing concern in the realm of both 'politics' and 'general-news'. The unauthorized helicopter landing during the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two National football games breached security protocols and resulted in violation of Kenya’s Civil Aviation Act, causing panic among spectators and potentially endangering public safety. This incident has also sparked discussions about adhering to established aviation and security protocols during public events, reiterating the importance of 'crime-and-justice' and the consequences of flouting such rules. The 'epaper' reports suggest that Malala, his pilot, and accomplices may face charges, emphasizing that politicians using public events for political stunts may not be exempt from legal actions.
