Kakamega MCAs to Khalwale: Stop Attacking the Governor, Push for More Resources

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Senator  Bonni Khalwale faced off during a funeral service in Shinyalu constituency.[Mary Imenza, Standard]

Kakamega Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have warned Senator Boni Khalwale against attacking Governor Fernandes Barasa, urging him to focus on his oversight role objectively. 

The MCAs, from both ODM and UDA parties, allege that Khalwale is using his position to campaign for the 2027 gubernatorial seat rather than advocating for more resources from the national government.

“Khalwale should respect the governor. As a UDA MCA, I have to defend my governor when I see him being attacked over issues beyond his control. Counties are yet to receive their share from the national treasury. Yet, our Senator is spreading propaganda at funerals, claiming he brought money that is not being used for development,” said Fredrick Atitwa, MCA for Mayoni ward.

Atitwa criticized Khalwale for opposing additional funds to counties during the 2023/2024 financial year, which resulted in Kakamega losing Sh1 billion. 

He urged the Senator to focus on advocating for more county funds rather than attacking the governor.

“This financial year, we are losing another Sh800 million. We expect our Senator to oppose such setbacks to our development rather than fight our governor. Even UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, a former competitor, is giving the governor time to deliver,” Atitwa added.

Gildon Shioso, Butsotso South MCA and Chairperson of the Kakamega Assembly Budget and Appropriation Committee expressed similar sentiments, stating that Khalwale's oversight role lacks genuineness and is driven by personal political ambitions.

“We respect our Senator, but he is not genuine in his oversight role. Instead of pushing for more resources for counties, he antagonizes the governor at funerals. He should use his platform in the Senate to secure more funds for our county and ensure they are used effectively,” Shioso said.

Last week, Khalwale told mourners in the Ikolomani constituency that he had brought Sh17 billion to Kakamega, yet Governor Barasa was not undertaking development projects. In response, Governor Barasa, while issuing a Sh64 million bursary in Malava, dismissed Khalwale's claims, stating that he would bury the Senator's political ambitions.

“Last year, Khalwale opposed an additional Sh1 billion for Kakamega, which was crucial for our development goals. He has no moral authority to lecture us on development when he opposes county funding,” Barasa said.

Barasa highlighted that counties are awaiting arrears for May and June amounting to Sh62 billion, blaming delays on the budget controller. He called on Senators like Khalwale to help expedite the approval of funds to prevent pending billsBarasa declared himself the best candidate to defeat Khalwale, Malala, and Women Representative Elsie Muhanda in the 2027 general election, asserting that they lack a development track record.