Anger over Khalwale’s bias for UDA against ANC in same political camp
Kenya Kwanza Kakamega senate aspirant Boni Khalwale has stirred up the coalition’s campaigns after his demands that Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi denounces his party’s candidates in favour of those of the UDA.
The UDA vice-chairman is uncomfortable with the candidature of Senator Cleophas Malalah of ANC, as well as other candidates from Musalia’s party in Kakamega.
The senator has been accused of waging a silent campaign against Malalah, yet both are members of Deputy President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
A lone ranger
Khalwale, who cut the image of a lone ranger during the launch of Malalah’s manifesto, asked Mudavadi to “rise above Kakamega politics.”
He singled out Mumias East and Mumias West constituencies, where he accused ANC nominees of flip-flopping, alleging that rivals Benson Mapwoni and Rashid Echesa had an edge over them.
Amid boss and jeers from the crowd, Khalwale asked Mudavadi to stop interfering with local politics and concentrate on the bigger picture. Former nominated MCA Jackline Okanya is vying on an ANC ticket in Mumias West.
“He (Khalwale) has refused to outlive his dream of running for governorship. His demeanor is that of a man sulking over a lost chance, “ Yasmin Abdalla, a resident of Mumias said.
Josh Mwachi, a resident of Malava constituency, accused Khalwale of political mischief.
“ His script is the same as of 2013 when he campaigned with Soita Shitanda (deceased) during the day but reported to his paymaster, Wycliffe Oparanya, at night,” said Mwachi. In the polls, Shitanda lost to Oparanya.
Mudavadi, who was present at Mumias Sugar Sports Complex to witness the unveiling of Malalah’s blueprint, did not respond to Khalwale’s public stunt in his address.
Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, a campaign coordinator of DP William Ruto in the area, faulted Khalwale’s remarks and called for sobriety and unity in the alliance.
It was the second time in less than a month that Khalwale was publicly rubbing ANC candidates the wrong way. Three weeks ago, he had to scamper to safety after Kenya Kwanza supporters set on him for campaigning for Azimio’s Kakamega governor aspirant Fernandez Barasa.
The Kenya kwanza was at the time campaigning in Mung’ang’a area of Matungu constituency when Khalwale declared that both Barasa and Malala were fit and should be subjected to public scrutiny.
