Khalwale Accuses Wetang’ula of Betraying Luhya Leadership as Political Rift Widens

Senator Boni Khalwale has issued a sharp criticism of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, accusing him of turning against fellow leaders from Western Kenya. 

Speaking on Sunday, December 7, Khalwale claimed Wetang’ula was using his position unfairly to undermine political players within the region.

The Kakamega Senator said it was contradictory for Wetang’ula to speak about unity while allegedly intimidating leaders with opposing political views.

“Wetang’ula cannot say he wants to build the community while attacking people from the same community,” Khalwale told supporters. 

The senator added that if supporting one’s community means “shooting at them,” then Wetang’ula no longer fits the description of a brother.

His remarks referred to tensions witnessed during a campaign event in Bungoma a week earlier. During that event, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya said his convoy was attacked while campaigning for a local ward seat. 

Vehicles were damaged and shots were reportedly fired. Natembeya claimed those behind the attack were politically connected and accused the Speaker of fueling hostility.

Khalwale did not stop at the attack claims. He criticized Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi over what he described as unfulfilled promises to voters from Western Kenya.

He argued that both leaders have held top government positions for many years—yet the region still struggles with stalled projects and limited economic growth.

“You, Wetang’ula, have held powerful positions for decades. Honourable Mudavadi too,” Khalwale said. 

“But we have not seen matching development during all that time. If voters want a new option, that is not a mistake.”

The senator used the metaphor of “choosing a wife who can give birth” to describe the search for leaders capable of delivering results.

In recent weeks, Khalwale and Governor Natembeya have found themselves on the same side politically. 

Their united stand was most visible during the Malava Ward by-election where the two publicly backed DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako. 

Their choice went against the ruling UDA party position, causing turbulence within Kenya Kwanza.

The backlash was immediate. Khalwale was removed from his Senate position as Majority Whip on December 2. 

UDA replaced him with Bungoma Senator David Wakoli. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei later said Khalwale must “face the consequences of his political actions.”

At the same time, Khalwale announced that his security detail had been withdrawn without explanation a day before the by-election. 

Natembeya also said his bodyguards had been taken away, claiming political intimidation.

The widening rift has opened the door for Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) to make strategic moves. Party leader Eugene Wamalwa publicly backed Khalwale during a recent rally in Busia.

“If they don’t want you in UDA, we welcome you here. This is your home,” Wamalwa said.

He praised Khalwale for showing what he called “courage in protecting the dignity of the Luhya people,” adding that the Malava vote showed the region can rise above political labels.

The public disagreements between leaders once seen as allies now paint an evolving picture of Western Kenya politics. 

Wetang’ula and Mudavadi have long been viewed as senior decision-makers in the region. But the emergence of new alliances—and recent confrontations—suggest a reshaping of political loyalties.

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