Malala summoned by DCI over unauthorised helicopter landing at Mumias Sports Complex
Western Region Police Commander Issa Muhamud stated that the helicopter landed without prior clearance or coordination, calling it a direct violation of aviation laws and public safety protocols.
Former Kakamega Senator and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader, Cleophas Malala, has been summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following an unauthorised helicopter landing at the Mumias Sports Complex during the national secondary school games final.
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 2, during halftime of a match between Musingu High School and St Joseph’s Kitale. Approximately 20,000 spectators, including students, teachers, education officials, and members of the public, were present when the aircraft landed on the field.
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Western Region Police Commander Issa Muhamud stated that the helicopter landed without prior clearance or coordination, calling it a direct violation of aviation laws and public safety protocols.
He explained that the act endangered the lives of those present, caused panic, and disrupted a national event.
Issa said that the landing was not an emergency, nor was it accidental. Instead, he said it appeared to be a calculated move aimed at attracting political attention and personal glorification. He described the act as reckless and irresponsible, claiming it risked the lives of schoolchildren and spectators alike.
"This was not an emergency landing. It was a deliberate, reckless act carried out for self-promotion and political mileage,” he said in a stern address.“This was a clear violation of civil aviation rules, the Basic Education Act, the Ministry of Education guidelines on children’s safety, and the Penal Code."
He added that the unauthorised landing disrupted the national school event and could have had catastrophic consequences. “Lives could have been lost. Let us not belittle this. The helicopter could have crashed. The landing caused panic and violated every protocol known for aviation, child safety, and public event management.”
The police commander confirmed that investigations were underway in collaboration with the DCI, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCA), and the Ministry of Education.
Malala has been directed to appear before DCI officers in Kakamega by Friday, August 8, to record a formal statement. The police also confirmed that the pilot and any other individuals involved in the incident could face charges related to endangering public safety, trespassing on public land, and violating aviation regulations.
“Full criminal investigations are ongoing. The politician, the pilot, and any other accomplices involved in this unauthorised landing will face criminal charges,” he warned.
Malala has been ordered to appear before the DCI in Kakamega by Friday, August 8, to provide a formal statement."I call upon former Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala, to report to the DCI offices before Friday, so that he can make his statement as we go ahead with the investigations."
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