The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has issued a show-cause letter to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale for allegedly supporting an opposition candidate in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election.
According to the letter from the party’s Disciplinary Committee, Khalwale openly campaigned for Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako, contrary to UDA’s expectations that he would support its official flag bearer, David Ndakwa.
“The Disciplinary Committee of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party is in receipt of information and evidence of your various political activities, utterances and associations… These include your open support and participation in the campaigns of a candidate from a different political party competing with the UDA candidate in the scheduled by-election for Member of Parliament, Malava Constituency,” read part of the letter.
Khalwale, who has been photographed alongside Panyako during campaign events, has been directed to explain his actions within 14 days or face disciplinary measures as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
He has been advised that he may represent himself before the committee or appear with legal counsel.
The disciplinary action follows Khalwale’s public criticism of UDA’s decision to deny the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi’s son, Ryan Injendi, the party ticket. The senator accused the party of favoritism, citing instances where other bereaved families received state appointments.
“When Malulu died, Baringo Senator Cheptumo also died, and so did Migori’s Dalmas Otieno. Their families were supported, but Malulu’s family was forgotten,” Khalwale lamented.
He added that he would support Seth Panyako “without interference from UDA’s leadership.”
Khalwale’s defiance sets the stage for potential disciplinary proceedings that could strain his relationship with the ruling party ahead of future political realignments in Western Kenya.
