- UDA leaders, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, detailed the reasons for demanding Boni Khalwale’s dismissal
- The officials cited several reasons, including personal frustrations after Khalwale decided to support the government’s opponent in the upcoming by-elections
- Khalwale explained the reason for his stance and the differences between him and the prime Cabinet secretary
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Kakamega: Tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have intensified as senior party figures, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, called for the expulsion of Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale.
Source: Facebook
The demand follows Khalwale’s open defiance of party directives during the heated Malava parliamentary by-election campaigns.
The by-election, set for November 27, was triggered by the death of former Malava MP Malulu Injendi.
As political momentum builds, Khalwale has drawn criticism for endorsing Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) instead of UDA’s official candidate, David Ndakwa.
Why Mudavadi, Farouk want Khalwale dismissed from UDA
Speaking during a church service at Tumbeni Africa Nineveh Church on Sunday, October 12, Mudavadi accused Khalwale of undermining party unity and violating its principles.
He claimed Khalwale had been disloyal to the party and disrespectful to the government, despite holding the influential position of Senate Majority Whip.
“Khalwale must be expelled from the UDA party because he is not loyal to the party; he is not trusted at all,” Mudavadi said.
He further alleged that Khalwale had aligned with opposition forces to criticise the government, instead of supporting its development agenda.
Mudavadi also expressed personal frustration, accusing Khalwale of publicly tarnishing his name and challenging his leadership within the Luhya community.
He demanded an apology or Khalwale’s removal from both the party and his Senate leadership role.
“He is walking around tarnishing my name, calling me names, yet I am his principal. As the Luhya kingpin, I want him to apologise or be fired from the positions he holds in the party,” Mudavadi added.
The call for disciplinary action was echoed by other UDA leaders, including President William Ruto’s personal assistant, Farouk Kibet.
In a fiery address, Kibet questioned Khalwale’s commitment to development in Malava, accusing him of abandoning his constituents in favour of political theatrics.
“Khalwale is used to empty opposition. He went to the Senate and forgot about developing Malava. He walks around with ten bodyguards claiming the Luhya are oppressed, yet he does nothing,” Kibet said.
He pledged KSh 1 million towards the construction of a school in Malava through the UDA candidate and challenged Khalwale to contribute as well.
Kibet vowed to remain in Malava until Ndakwa secures the parliamentary seat, urging residents to support leaders who prioritise development.
He criticised Khalwale for allegedly resisting progress in Western Kenya, while others work to ensure Ruto’s legacy reaches the region.
Source: Original
Why is Boni Khalwale under fire?
The sentiments followed Khalwale’s remarks during the presentation of Panyako’s nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He accused Mudavadi of exploiting the Luhya community for personal gain and claimed that Ruto was using Mudavadi to divide Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections.
Khalwale also alleged that Mudavadi manipulated the UDA primaries to sideline former Malava MP aspirant Ryan Injendi in favour of Ndakwa.
“Mudavadi shortchanged Ryan just because he is the son of a widow who lacked money but had people’s hearts,” Khalwale said. “He has divided the Luhya community for personal gains, and that’s why I decided to back Seth Panyako.”
With nine candidates in the race, the Malava by-election is shaping up to be a fierce contest between the government-backed Ndakwa and Panyako, who is positioning himself as the people’s choice.
Government officials have been actively campaigning for Ndakwa, organising rallies, night meetings, and attending funerals to mobilise support.
As the political drama unfolds, the Malava by-election is emerging as a test of UDA’s internal discipline, regional influence, and the broader dynamics of Western Kenya’s political future.
Additional reporting by Rasto Wamalwa, TUKO.co.ke correspondent.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
