Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has intensified speculation about his political future, with recent pronouncements and actions indicating a potential departure from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and a gravitation towards the United Opposition. This development, unfolding in Western Kenya, could significantly influence regional political dynamics as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Senator Khalwale publicly pledged support for Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who is actively engaging other prominent figures in the united opposition movement. Speaking in Malava Constituency, Khalwale assured Wamalwa of his full backing as Wamalwa reaches out to fellow opposition leaders.

This endorsement followed Khalwale's open support for DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako in the Malava parliamentary by-election, scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2025, over the UDA candidate, Peter Ndakwa.

Historical and Political Context

Senator Khalwale was a founding member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. However, he has recently expressed disillusionment with the party, stating that UDA has shifted its support towards his main rival, Governor Fernandes Barasa, for re-election in Kakamega.

In July 2025, Khalwale launched his own political outfit, the United Patriotic Movement (UPM), which he intends to use for his future political pursuits, including his bid for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027. He clarified that while he remains a UDA member for his current Senate term due to constitutional limitations preventing a midterm resignation, he views UPM as his vehicle for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

This is not the first instance of Khalwale clashing with UDA. In August 2025, he accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula of acting as a UDA agent in what Khalwale termed controversial empowerment programs led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Khalwale alleged that the government was using public funds to influence votes and promised to provide evidence to substantiate his claims.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Political analysts suggest that Khalwale's recent moves could significantly impact public debate and policy execution in the near term. Stakeholders are reportedly urging clarity on the timelines, costs, and safeguards associated with these political realignments.

Khalwale himself has been vocal about his intentions. During the launch of UPM, he described it as a youth-driven party managed by university students, with organised teams established across various regions of the country.

Evidence/Data Box

• United Patriotic Movement (UPM) Launch: July 14, 2025, at Senator Khalwale's home in Malinya.
• Malava By-election: Scheduled for November 27, 2025. Khalwale endorsed DAP-K's Seth Panyako over UDA's Peter Ndakwa.
• Johnson Muthama's 2022 Machakos Gubernatorial Performance: Johnson Muthama, a UDA founding member and former chairman, garnered 37,980 votes (9.30%) in the 2022 Machakos gubernatorial election, coming in third behind Wavinya Ndeti (226,609 votes or 55.52%) and Nzioka Waita (129,181 votes or 31.65%).

Unknowns and Controversies

While Khalwale's actions strongly suggest a distancing from UDA, he has not explicitly stated an official defection to the United Opposition. The full implications of his new party and potential alliance with the opposition for the 2027 elections remain to be seen, particularly concerning voter mobilisation and coalition dynamics in Western Kenya.

What to Watch

Observers will be keenly watching Senator Khalwale's continued engagements with opposition figures and the performance of his newly launched United Patriotic Movement (UPM) in upcoming political contests, such as the Malava by-election. His strategy for the 2027 Kakamega gubernatorial race, and how it interacts with the broader national political landscape, will be a key area of focus.