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

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna attended the burial ceremony of his Kakamega counterpart Boni Khalwale's wife, Gloria Sekeyian Khalwale, on August 21, 2026, in Malinga Stadium, Ikolomani Constituency. Joined by Linda Mwananchi allies such as Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kakamega Senatorial Aspirant Brian Lishenga, Sifuna was warmly welcomed by mourners and supporters upon his arrival.

During the ceremony, Khalwale, who had joined the Linda Mwananchi movement, requested patience from the attendees, stating that Sifuna, whom he considered the next president, would address them later. The deceased's body was brought to Khalwale's residence from Mukumu Funeral Home on the same day, where a night vigil was held and the grave was dug, with Khalwale personally choosing the location for his third wife's burial.

Various leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and President William Ruto, sent their condolences to Khalwale during the visit to his home, urging politicians to unite in their grief. The senator's home became a center of political activity, with leaders from across the spectrum coming to offer their support to Khalwale and his family.

Khalwale, a medical doctor, revealed that his wife's death was caused by cardiac arrest after she collapsed suddenly. She was rushed to Mukumu Hospital but succumbed to her injuries. This loss adds to Khalwale's recent mourning, as he lost his first wife in 2019 after a long struggle with cancer, also interred at their family's Malinya home.