By WMW
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party leader
Cleophas Malala yesterday accused the government of promoting ethnic profiling and divisive politics amid growing public anger over the high cost of living and rising fuel prices.
In a statement, Malala claimed that the Kenya Kwanza administration was orchestrating a narrative targeting members of the Kikuyu community ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He alleged that senior government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, were fueling ethnic rhetoric instead of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
He warned against what he termed a return to the divisive “41 against 1” political narrative associated with the 2007 post-election violence that left more than 1,300 people dead and displaced thousands.
“The suffering Kenyans are going through is not about ethnicity. It is about the high cost of living, excessive taxation, poor governance, bad roads and failed policies,” Malala said.
The former Kakamega senator criticised the government over rising fuel prices, arguing that the crisis affects all Kenyans including farmers, traders, manufacturers, civil servants, and transport operators.
He dismissed claims that opposition to the government was being driven by ethnic considerations, saying wananchi were simply reacting to economic hardships, including high fuel costs, heavy taxation, challenges in the education sector, and concerns surrounding the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Malala also faulted the Interior Ministry over insecurity in parts of the country, citing cattle rustling in Meru and insecurity along the Kenya-Somalia border involving Jubaland forces.
He urged Murkomen to focus on national security rather than political debates surrounding fuel prices and ethnic politics.
At the same time, Malala criticised the government’s handling of the ongoing fuel crisis, accusing it of failing to provide comprehensive solutions despite widespread public concern.
He argued that the impact of soaring fuel prices extends beyond the transport sector and warned against attempts to limit discussions to matatu operators alone.
The DCP deputy leader further claimed that ongoing political debates and ethnic narratives were intended to divert public attention from the anticipated Finance Bill 2026/2027, which he suggested could introduce additional punitive taxes.
Malala also cautioned matatu operators against increasing fares following recent negotiations with the government over fuel prices, saying ordinary Kenyans should not bear additional economic burdens.
The statement comes amid heightened political tension and nationwide debate over fuel prices, taxation, and the rising cost of living, which recently triggered protests and transport disruptions in several parts of the country.
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