The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has called on President William Ruto to provide clarity regarding the political future of Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his statement, Khalwale, who is also the Senate Majority Whip, expressed concern that the recent merger between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Amani National Congress (ANC) has left many in the Luyha community unsure about their political engagement with President Ruto and his plans for the region.
Despite the significance of the merger, Khalwale noted that the people of Western Kenya remain unclear on what the alliance means for their involvement in government and the future direction of their political representation. He pointed out that while regions like Nyanza and Mount Kenya have a clear understanding of their political alignment with the President, Western Kenya is still in the dark.
“From the bottom of my heart, we want our people to move with you, but if they must walk with you, they must first understand you,” Khalwale said, emphasizing the need for transparency.
He also criticized the leadership of both UDA and ANC for not adequately communicating with the people of Western Kenya about the implications of the merger. “The leadership of the two parties has never come to tell us what they are doing and where they are taking us. That is not the way to lead people,” he remarked.
Khalwale stressed the importance of having clear political directions, similar to the ones already established in Nyanza and Mount Kenya. He urged the leadership of UDA and ANC to step forward and clarify how the merger will affect Western Kenya’s political trajectory, particularly as the region, with its population of eight million people, seeks a defined role in Kenya’s future governance.
The merger between ANC and UDA, finalized last week, is seen as a historic move aimed at consolidating the political forces in preparation for the 2027 elections. However, the lack of communication regarding the merger’s impact on Western Kenya has raised concerns among local leaders like Khalwale.
