Wamuzi News Ke
In a decisive show of political defiance, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has publicly rebuked Deputy President Kithure Kindiki amid moves perceived to sway the county’s 2027 gubernatorial race. The confrontation amplifies regional tensions and signals rising friction within Kenya Kwanza leadership.
Speaking loudly at a rally in Shimanyiro, Kakamega, Khalwale took issue with Kindiki’s endorsement of Governor Fernandes Barasa’s re-election bid. “Kindiki, you’ve come here and told people that Barasa will be governor in 2027… If you cannot control Rigathi Gachagua in your region, don’t think you can decide who Kakamega chooses,” Khalwale declared in Kiswahili, casting the DP as an overreaching outsider.
Khalwale Stakes His Claim: “I Am Your Senior”
Underscoring the intensity of the rift, Khalwale declared his intention to contest the county’s top position in 2027. “Kindiki, listen carefully—I am your senior. Bonny Khalwale will be governor of Kakamega in 2027,” he announced, marking an emphatic challenge both to Kindiki’s regional influence and Barasa’s incumbency.
Speaker Wetang’ula Also Under Fire
Khalwale didn’t spare National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula from criticism, accusing him of cloaking political campaigns under the guise of empowerment initiatives. “That is not the work of a Speaker,” Khalwale said, calling on the Speaker to model himself after respected former officeholders like Kenneth Marende and Francis Ole Kaparo.
What It Means for Kakamega’s 2027 Contest
This political escalation signals a decisive shift in Western Kenya’s power dynamics. Khalwale’s entry into the race, backed by his new United Patriotic Movement (UPM), raises the stakes for both ODM-aligned actors and ruling party strategists. Barasa, already seen as Kindiki’s preferred candidate, now faces a formidable challenger from within the establishment.
Analysts warn that Khalwale’s swagger and cross-party posture could fracture traditional allegiances ahead of the general election, forcing realignments across both county and national terrains.
Clock Ticking to 2027
As the drama unfolds, all eyes turn to upcoming electoral preparations. Khalwale has urged the revamped Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to guarantee a free, fair, and verifiable election. With tensions rising and ambitions laid bare, Kakamega’s political arena is already on high alert.
