Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale has hit the ground running, rebranding himself as a fearless advocate for the ordinary citizen, ‘mtetezi wa wanyonge’. As the 2027 general election draws nearer, Khalwale has shed his partisan UDA political ties and become increasingly bold and unorthodox, sparking widespread speculation about his next move.
Despite his current role as Majority Whip in the Senate under President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, Khalwale has emerged as a fierce critic of the very government he represents in the Senate. His outspoken nature has revived memories of his combative political style from two decades ago, again positioning him as a polarising but influential figure in Western Kenya politics.
The senator’s persistent criticism of the Ruto-led government has fuelled rumours that he may soon sever ties with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Political analysts now suggest that Khalwale is carefully crafting an independent strategy to contest the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027. His rhetoric, actions, and shifting alliances point to a growing rift with UDA, paving the way for a possible solo campaign.
At one point, whispers of a possible alignment with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) gained momentum. This followed a reconciliation between Khalwale and former ODM Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya. The speculation intensified during internal ODM strife, when current Governor Fernandez Barasa appeared to have fallen out with party leadership, casting doubt on his future under the ODM banner.
Although Oparanya swiftly dismissed claims of endorsing Khalwale for the governorship, many in the local community welcomed the idea of Khalwale collaborating with ODM. However, recent developments suggest Khalwale is charting a distinct course, distancing himself from both ODM and UDA.
As it stands, the 2027 Kakamega gubernatorial race promises to be a closely contested affair, with three key figures expected to battle it out: Governor Fernandez Barasa, likely to run on an ODM ticket, former senator Cleophas Malala, currently Deputy Party Leader of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), and Bonny Khalwale, widely anticipated to contest as an independent candidate.
From a political standpoint, Kakamega has long been considered an ODM stronghold. Nevertheless, recent election results tell a different story. During the last general election, ODM supporters defied party lines by electing Khalwale as senator over their own candidate, while backing Barasa for governor instead of Malala. This voting behaviour underscores Khalwale’s substantial grassroots support, transcending traditional party loyalties.
If these trends persist, Khalwale could mount a formidable challenge to the incumbent in 2027. His ability to attract votes beyond party structures may prove decisive in a county where personal influence increasingly rivals party affiliation.
As Khalwale sharpens his strategy, Kakamega is set for a thrilling and unpredictable political showdown, with the senator poised to redefine his legacy, and perhaps the county’s future.
