Recent moves by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale indicate that he is gradually distancing himself from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joining forces with the opposition by registering with the Democratic Action Party (DAPK).
Khalwale, who recently formed his party, the United Patriotic Front (UPF), which he has since handed over to be led by university students, stated that it would be the party he would utilise in his bid for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027.
He is now gradually showing signs of embracing the DAPK party led by Eugene Wamalwa.
In the western region, it is gradually gaining momentum and seems poised to secure a vast majority of the by-election seats in the area.
He recently defied his party’s stance, which had previously nominated David Ndakwa to be its flag bearer in the Malava by-election campaign, to back Seth Panyako of DAPK.
Although holding the position of Senate Majority Whip, he chose to defy the party by supporting the opposing candidate, justifying his decision by stating that the time has come for Mulembe natives to gain recognition and not have leaders forced upon them.
At the rallies, he assured Eugene Wamalwa, the party leader, and backed him as the region’s spokesperson in the unified opposition.
He assured him that he had his back, stating that no one should try to undermine him because he was not alone, and that if anyone tried to tell him otherwise, he should remind them that he stood with Khalwale and was committed to supporting him.
These signs suggest that Eugene could potentially become his party’s leader in the near future.
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Khalwale urged western Kenya’s united opposition leaders to unite in order to have a strong coalition when negotiating with other key stakeholders within the formation.
A candidate in Kakamega
He stressed that unity needs to start at the grassroots level. He stated that he and Malala, both of whom harbour gubernatorial ambitions, must agree to field one candidate as governor and the other as senator so that the united opposition emerges victorious in Kakamega County.
He emphasized that the same approach should be expanded to other counties in the Mulembe region, not just Kakamega, and also encompass Nairobi City, which is home to the majority of the Luhya people.
Khalwale received a message from Wamalwa.
During a radio interview, Eugene Wamalwa seemed to suggest that Khalwale would be joining his DAPK team.
He encouraged Khalwale to join his party and potentially be chosen for a deputy party leader position, which would take the place of Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who switched allegiance to David Ndakwa at the eleventh hour.
Eugene believes that Khalwale’s tenure at UDA appears increasingly precarious, and it is only a matter of time before he may be asked to leave, given that he has already received a disciplinary letter.
Khalwale has also assisted the party in campaigning for Abraham Ayaya, DAPK’s candidate in the Kisa East by-election. He has been making headway in the ward alongside the party leader and his deputy, George Natembeya, strongly promoting Ayaya’s candidacy.
