Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale skipped all celebrations. He chose to mourn his long-time political friends who died one after the other.
On Friday, December 26, 2025, he spoke at the home of the late Enoch Kibunguchy. He called 2025 one of his hardest years. He lost two close friends almost at the same time.
He was still upset over former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo’s death. Then came the shock of Kibunguchy’s passing. Kibunguchy had been his ally long before politics.
Both had medical training. Kibunguchy showed Khalwale how to do a caesarean section. That started his career in the field.
Khalwale remembered how Jirongo paid for his first run for office. This happened even though Khalwale backed Kibunguchy. Kibunguchy wanted to challenge Jirongo before Lugari and Likuyani split.
The deaths hit Khalwale hard. A month earlier, before by-elections, he visited Kibunguchy’s home with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. They stopped at several spots in the area. Then Kibunguchy died.
Jirongo and Kibunguchy meant a lot to him. They were the only ones who said Khalwale could run for governor.
Khalwale turned down invites to big events. He skipped the Kabras Cultural Festival. He always served as chief guest there.
He also refused the Maragoli Cultural Festival on December 26 in Vihiga. He stayed away from Christmas and other parties. Two allies died too close together for him to join in.
Christmas needs friends, he said.
He skipped church too. Even the mass on December 25. He stayed home. Kabras has a big party. He is usually the guest of honor. He said no.
Maragoli has one today. He passed on that too.
How can I celebrate? Kibunguchy taught me how to deliver a baby safely. How?
How can I mark Christmas? No friends, no Christmas. Jirongo is gone. How?
Khalwale will give bulls from his bullfighting to feed people at Kibunguchy’s funeral. Kibunguchy died at Eldoret Hospital during treatment.
