Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has fired a political warning at President William Ruto, cautioning him against depending on Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to deliver votes from western Kenya in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a gathering in Malava, Khalwale accused the two leaders of misleading the president about their political influence in the region. He urged Ruto to prioritise development in Kakamega County, warning that the community’s support could not be taken for granted.
“President Ruto, you better listen to Khalwale and give development to the people of Kakamega because we elected you,” the senator declared. “You must give development here whether we vote for Seth Panyako in Malava or your candidate. Because in 2027, it will be tough, and you will need our votes.”
Khalwale went further, questioning Mudavadi’s political clout. “You will need Khalwale to succeed. That Mudavadi is lying to you that he has influence—let him start in Vihiga where his leaders are ODM,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The outspoken senator has in recent weeks sharpened his criticism of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the party that sponsored his Senate bid, accusing some of its senior figures of sidelining him in western Kenya politics.
The Malava parliamentary by-election, set to take place in the coming weeks, has become a proxy battleground between the government and the opposition.
The Democratic Action Party (Kenya) (DAP-K) has fronted Seth Panyako, while UDA has fielded Kakamega County Minority Leader David Ndakwa, though his candidacy faces legal hurdles.
Ruto’s inner circle, including his close aide Farouk Kibet, has been heavily involved in UDA’s campaign in Malava, underscoring the stakes of the contest.
For DAP-K, which has positioned itself within the so-called “one-term brigade” opposed to Ruto’s re-election, a win in Malava would be a symbolic blow to the president’s 2027 strategy.
For the longest time, Musalia Mudavadi has been the undisputed kingpin of Western Kenya. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula is the commander from Bungoma. His last minute flip did a huge blow to Raila Odinga’s election in 2022. Perhaps the 200,000 votes gap would have made Baba President.
Khalwale is no push over. His mammoth rallies and bull fighting events have drawn thousands in Kakamega and his bid for Governor seems to be closing into a reality.
