Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on Senate Speaker Amason Kingi to take firm action against Senator Boni Khalwale following a near-physical confrontation with County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, Benjamin Andama.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 3, unfolded during the Senate’s Devolution Committee oversight visit to Kakamega County. The lawmakers were inspecting stalled development projects when Khalwale and Andama engaged in a heated exchange.
In a video shared on Khalwale’s social media platforms, the Senator accused Andama of corruption and threatened his arrest. Tensions quickly escalated when Khalwale forcefully shoved the Finance CECM. Fellow Senators intervened before the confrontation could spiral further.
Governor Barasa, in a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, October 4, condemned Khalwale’s actions, describing them as “regrettable and abhorrent.” He urged Speaker Kingi to initiate investigations against the Senator, stressing that the Senate’s integrity in its oversight role must be preserved.
“The conduct displayed by Senator Khalwale turned out to be regrettable and abhorrent. We call upon law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for CECM Benjamin Andama,” Barasa stated.
The Governor further emphasized that his administration would not tolerate acts of violence, intimidation, or disrespect towards county officials. He insisted that public officers must be treated with dignity as they continue to serve the people of Kakamega diligently.
Barasa also criticized Khalwale’s controversial remarks labeling Kakamega’s CECMs and Chief Officers as “very junior people.” According to the Governor, such language undermines collaboration between the Senate and county governments, contradicting the spirit of devolution.
As calls for accountability grow, pressure now mounts on Senate leadership and relevant authorities to address the confrontation and ensure that future oversight missions uphold respect, decorum, and the principles of governance.
