Khalwale Blasts Ruto, Accuses Him of Snubbing Luhyas: "Our Support Has Shifted to Raila"

Nancy Odindo, a .co.ke reporter, boasts more than four years of expertise in documenting Kenya’s political landscape, current events, and feature stories across both digital and printed platforms.

The Senator for Kakamega and Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Boni Khalwale, has lambasted President William Ruto for apparently disregarding the Luhya community, alleging that he is overlooking the area’s developmental requirements.

From his residence, Khalwale voiced dissatisfaction with the stagnant conditions in crucial sectors such as deteriorating roads and shuttered factories, asserting that the president keeps providing unfulfilled pledges.

“President Ruto, let me inform you that you have neglected the Luhyas; your actions amount to political deceit against the Luhya community. Many of our roads remain unpassable, local businesses have shut down, yet you continue to feed us falsehoods daily,” stated Khalwale.

Khalwale highlighted that at a recent State House meeting, important topics like constructing hospitals, generating employment for young people, or enhancing infrastructure in Western Kenya were not addressed.

What does Boni Khalwale want from Ruto?

He encouraged Ruto to emulate the preceding administration’s approach, highlighting finished initiatives such as the Sigalagala-Malinya Road project. Additionally, he advocated elevating Kakamega Referral Hospital to a status akin to that of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nyanza, making it a national government institution.

In further voicing his discontent, Khalwale called for expedited development of the Misikhu to Matunga Road, a crucial route linking three counties that turns into an unusable mess during wet weather.

There are multiple routes in the west that require construction; particularly, the Misikhu to Matunda road through Brigadier is severely deteriorated. What do you make of this situation, Mr. President?" asked an exasperated Khalwale. "The sole action taken so far has been the inauguration of a transformer in Webuye East Constituency within Bungoma County, with no further developments.

He additionally charged the president with marginalizing the Luhya community by favoring Luo politicians, alleging that the 30% commitment made to Luhyas has been allocated to supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga instead.

Khalwale cautioned that if Ruto ignores the needs of the Mulembe people, he shouldn’t count on receiving their support during the 2027 elections.

“I wish to inform Mr. President that the 30 percent you assured would be allocated to the Luhyas seems to have ended up benefiting Raila’s constituency instead. We do not feel entitled to partake in what we helped build within the Kenya Kwanza administration. While your relationship with Raila may be personal, we seek progress for our own community,” he concluded.

More to follow...

Narrative crafted by Rasto Wamalwa, the correspondent for .c.ke based in Kakamega County.