Drama unfolded in Kakamega on Friday when Senator Bonny Khalwale engaged in a heated confrontation with a county official during an inspection tour by the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations. The incident nearly escalated into a physical altercation, drawing mixed reactions from Kenyans online.
The committee was on a fact-finding mission to assess the status of stalled development projects in the county, including Shamakhubu Level 4 Hospital in Shinyalu, Kakamega Referral Hospital, Butali–Chegulo Road, and Bukhungu Stadium.
In a video shared by Khalwale on his Facebook page, the senator is seen holding an envelope and pointing at the official while declaring, “In my lifetime, we will get you people arrested.” The county official attempted to de-escalate the situation, saying they were conducting the exercise objectively. However, Khalwale quickly retorted, “I am very serious and I am very objective.”
As the exchange intensified, Khalwale tapped the official on the shoulder in an agitated manner, raising concerns that the confrontation could turn physical. Committee chair Mohamed Abass and fellow senators Richard Onyonka and Catherine Mumma intervened to restore order, with Onyonka stepping in to hold Khalwale back as others shouted, “Order, order!”
Despite the tense exchange, Khalwale later defended his actions, insisting that accountability must be enforced on both county and national officials. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that stalled projects in Kakamega are completed.
“I will not relent in holding officials responsible until every stalled project is completed for the benefit of our people,” Khalwale wrote in his post.
The senator, who has declared interest in the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027, has in recent months intensified his criticism of Governor Fernandes Barasa’s administration. He pledged to keep pressing the county government for transparency, accountability, and proper use of public funds.
The dramatic confrontation has sparked online debate, with some Kenyans praising Khalwale’s push for accountability while others criticized his combative approach.
