Khalwale claims he turned down Ruto’s request to attend wife’s burial

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale disclosed that he had directly instructed President William Ruto not to attend his late wife Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale's funeral. Speaking at the burial in Ikolomani Constituency on August 21, 2026, Khalwale argued that grieving families should not have to decide whether to host the Head of State during a funeral.

The President had initially sought to attend, requesting landing coordinates for the presidential aircraft through Khalwale's aide Farouk Kibet. Khalwale told mourners, "William Ruto asked me to send coordinates ndio ndege yake itue. Nikamwambia kupitia karani wake Farouk kwamba Mr President, mtu kama umefiwa, hauulizwi kama mtu anataka kuja kukufariji."

He further appealed to the President, saying, "Lakini wewe, nakuomba, nataka matanga ya bibi yangu ikuwe as nice as this, Mr President, don’t come to Malinya." This revelation came despite the President publicly expressing condolences to the family immediately after Gloria's death on August 15. The burial, held at the family's home in Malinya, drew political leaders, family members, friends, and residents.

The funeral saw emotional tributes alongside political statements, with Khalwale reflecting on his wife's life and commenting on the political landscape.