KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Kakamega County Senator and Senate Majority Whip Dr. Boni Khalwale has raised political eyebrows after deliberately skipping a key meeting chaired by President William Ruto at the Kakamega State Lodge.
The meeting, held on Friday, was part of the President’s four-day tour of the Western region, which aims to evaluate ongoing development projects and strengthen ties with local grassroots leaders.
While most regional leaders attended the meeting, Khalwale’s conspicuous absence drew attention, fueling speculation about widening rifts within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Western Kenya.
Sources close to the senator revealed that his decision to boycott the meeting was deliberate, signaling growing discomfort with what he perceives as external interference in Western politics.
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Speaking later at a separate function in Ikolomani, Khalwale openly warned President Ruto and UDA operatives against attempting to lure Luhya voters away from their traditional parties.
He maintained that following the passing of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga—who for decades commanded strong influence in Kakamega through the ODM party—he would not allow the Luhya community to be politically manipulated or absorbed into UDA ahead of the 2027 general election.
“The Luhya nation has its own political path. The death of Raila Odinga does not mean we abandon our unity or follow leaders from other regions blindly. Western Kenya will decide its future without interference,” Khalwale asserted.
His remarks have since sparked mixed reactions among leaders from the Western region. Some have accused him of undermining the President’s efforts to unite the country, while others have praised his stance as a bold defense of regional autonomy.
President Ruto, who has been pushing for political realignment in Western Kenya, is expected to address Khalwale’s remarks before concluding his tour.
Analysts say the senator’s warning could complicate UDA’s strategy of expanding its base in a region long dominated by the opposition.
As political temperatures rise, Khalwale’s move appears to signal an early start to the 2027 political realignments, with the battle for the Western vote once again taking center stage.
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