Khalwale: I made Malala MCA and senator, now he has turned against me

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has vehemently criticized former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, accusing him of making disparaging remarks about senior political figures who aided his elevation. During a political gathering on August 29, 2026, Khalwale asserted he played a pivotal role in securing Malala's MCA and Senate positions.

"Without me, Malala, how would you have even become an MCA? Because you stood up at Isukha," Khalwale questioned. He further reminded Malala of his support for Malala's Senate bid. "Without me, Malala would not have been a senator? I told our people to make him a senator," Khalwale stated. Khalwale accused Malala of lacking respect for those who had supported his political career.

"Malala, you dishonor those political leaders who endorsed you," the senator remarked. Drawing a bull analogy, Khalwale likened Malala to a young bull that makes noise but has not yet fed. "The young bull, like Dr. Boni Khalwale, makes noise while others speak and has a horn," Khalwale stated. "It bites, puts its head down, and listens.

But this young one starts 'hwa, hwa, hwa' before it even bites." Khalwale concluded by reminding Malala of his public political history. "Malala, you know your history. We know your history," Khalwale concluded. Both leaders are slated to compete against each other in the 2027 Kakamega County gubernatorial election. Elsie Muhanda, the county woman representative, has also declared her candidacy and received endorsement from Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wickliffe Oparanya, following a rift with incumbent Governor Fernandes Barasa.