Nairobi, Kenya — The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has given Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale a 14-day ultimatum to explain his open support for a rival candidate in the forthcoming Malava Constituency by-election, accusing him of disloyalty and gross misconduct.
In a letter dated Tuesday, October 14, the party’s Disciplinary Committee said Khalwale’s recent political activities contravene the UDA constitution and code of conduct, noting that his conduct amounts to “allegiance to another political party.”
“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… including your open support and participation in the campaigns of a candidate from a different political party,” the letter reads in part.
According to the committee, Khalwale’s participation in the campaigns of former Health Workers Union boss Seth Panyako — who is running under the DAP-K ticket — constitutes “conduct unbecoming” of a party member.
“Your support for the said opposing candidate has been open, vocal, conspicuous and substantial as to clearly demonstrate that you are promoting a position that is against your own party’s interest,” the letter stated.
The disciplinary notice further accused the senator of betraying the ruling party, which sponsored him to the Senate, and of violating his oath of loyalty to UDA.
“Your said participation and activities clearly demonstrate allegiance to another political party… and amount to gross misconduct in the contemplation of the UDA party constitution,” it added.
Citing Article 68(f) and Articles 69(a), (c), (d), (g), and (k) of the party constitution, the committee directed Khalwale to “show cause” why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
He has been given 14 days to respond in writing, after which the committee will decide whether to summon him for a formal hearing. The senator may represent himself or appear with legal counsel during the proceedings.
Khalwale, a vocal Western Kenya politician and Senate Majority Whip, has openly campaigned for Panyako, accusing UDA of neglecting the family of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi.
“When Malulu died, Baringo Senator Cheptumo’s widow got a ministry, and Dalmas Otieno’s wife was given a state job. But Malulu’s family was forgotten,” Khalwale said during a campaign stop on Tuesday.
“I have therefore decided to support Seth Panyako because the people of Malava deserve fairness and dignity.”
The standoff sets the stage for a potentially bruising internal clash within the ruling party, where Khalwale has been both a senior figure and a vocal critic of perceived injustices.
Political observers say the senator’s defiance could deepen rifts in the UDA’s Western Kenya wing, coming just months after similar internal tensions during local by-elections in Busia and Bungoma counties.
UDA officials have yet to confirm whether the party will escalate the matter to its National Executive Committee should Khalwale fail to respond within the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Malava by-election — triggered by the death of MP Malulu Injendi — has intensified competition between UDA and DAP-K, with both parties seeking to strengthen their grip on Western Kenya’s political landscape.
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