FILE PHOTOS: Senator Boni Khalwale (right) and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula (left) at previous events. The two leaders have engaged in a public dispute over the impact of Western Kenya’s leadership on regional development, underscoring escalating power struggles among the area’s political figures.
In Summary:
- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale have publicly criticized each other, highlighting the ongoing political power struggle among Western Kenya leaders.
- Wetangula praised local leaders for participating in a consultative meeting on regional issues, while Khalwale accused him of using the meeting for personal political gain.
The political power struggle in Western Kenya has intensified, with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale engaging in a heated exchange of accusations.
On Friday, Khalwale criticized Wetangula on Twitter, accusing him of meeting with Kakamega Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) solely to further his own political ambitions.
“Mr. Speaker, stop there. You merely met Kakamega MCAs to make diplomatic feel-good statements and take pictures to create your desired perception for a hollow kingpin,” Khalwale tweeted.
Khalwale lauded his predecessors, including Masinde Muliro and William Wamalwa, for uniting the Western regional bloc and fostering political stability and economic prosperity.
He expressed his commitment to their legacy, envisioning an international airport in Kakamega and the town’s elevation to city status.
Khalwale also alleged that Wetangula had aligned with the opposition during the campaigns, aiming to secure a top political position for his party.
The day before, Wetangula had praised the 60 MCAs who attended his consultative meeting, aimed at discussing regional issues and promoting community unity.
“I held a consultative meeting with over 60 MCAs from Kakamega County to discuss regional matters, including how to unify the community,” Wetangula tweeted.
Topics of discussion included constitutionalizing the Ward Fund, establishing a pension scheme, ensuring the independence of the County Assembly, and the gazettement of the Kakamega Level Six Referral Hospital.
The power struggle in Western Kenya has been intensifying, with regional figures like Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya challenging Wetangula’s long-standing influence.
In March, Natembeya questioned the effectiveness of the region’s long-serving leaders and the internal power dynamics within the Bukusu community.
As Western Kenya’s political landscape evolves, the conflict between Wetangula and Khalwale highlights the ongoing struggle for leadership and the competing visions for the region’s future development.