In the latest episode of the political rivalry that has gripped the Western region, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale have engaged in a public spat, highlighting their divergent views on the development trajectory and political leadership of the area.
The tension escalated on Friday when Senator Khalwale took to Twitter to lambast Wetangula, accusing him of using political meetings for personal gain. “Mr. Speaker, stop there. You merely met Kakamega MCAs to make diplomatic feel-good statements and take pictures to create your desired perception for a hollow kingpin,” Khalwale tweeted. He contended that Wetangula’s actions were superficial and did little to advance the region’s true interests.
Khalwale, in his critique, drew comparisons to revered Western leaders such as Masinde Muliro and William Wamalwa. He praised their efforts in uniting the Western bloc and fostering political stability and commercial growth. “I stand for what our forefathers saw, and hope to further this vision with an international airport at Kakamega, and its elevation to a city,” Khalwale asserted, underscoring his commitment to continuing the legacy of his predecessors.
The Kakamega senator further criticized Wetangula for allegedly aligning with the opposition during campaign periods to secure their party’s dominance, suggesting this was detrimental to the region’s cohesion and progress.
This clash follows Wetangula’s commendation of a recent meeting with over 60 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Kakamega County. In a tweet, Wetangula stated, “I held a consultative meeting with over 60 MCAs from Kakamega County to discuss regional matters, including how to unify the community.” The meeting reportedly focused on key regional issues such as constitutionalizing the Ward Fund, Pension, Independence of the County Assembly, and the gazettement of the Kakamega Level Six Referral Hospital.
The rivalry between the two political heavyweights is the latest in a series of power struggles in Western Kenya. Earlier this year, in March, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya contested Wetangula’s long-standing influence over the Bukusu community. Natembeya’s challenge centered around questioning the tangible impact of the long-serving Western leaders and proposing a reevaluation of the region’s political structure.
As the battle for supremacy continues, the Western region finds itself at a crossroads. The outcome of these political skirmishes will significantly shape the region’s future development and unity. Both Wetangula and Khalwale represent potent symbols of contrasting visions for Western Kenya’s path forward, and their ongoing clash serves as a testament to the vibrant, albeit contentious, nature of the region’s political landscape.
