UDA Gives Senator Boni Khalwale 14 Days to Explain His Support for Rival Candidate

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has been given a 14-day ultimatum by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) after publicly supporting Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP–K) candidate Seth Panyako instead of his party’s flagbearer, David Ndakwa, in the upcoming Malava Constituency mini-poll set for November.

In a letter dated October 9, 2025, UDA Disciplinary Committee Chairperson Charles Njenga said the party had received evidence of Khalwale’s political activities and public utterances in support of Panyako, which have been widely circulated in the media.

“Your support for the said opposing candidate has been open, vocal, conspicuous and substantial as to clearly demonstrate that you are promoting a position that is against your own party’s interest,” Njenga wrote. “You are therefore acting outside the expected conduct of a member of the UDA party as expressly provided for in its constitution and code of conduct.”

The committee further accused the senator of showing allegiance to another political party, describing his conduct as “unbecoming and disloyal” to the UDA — the same party that sponsored his election to the Senate.

Njenga said Khalwale’s actions amounted to gross misconduct under the UDA Constitution and violated the party’s Code of Conduct, which requires all members to uphold discipline and promote party decisions.

“The duties of a party member as expressly provided at Article 4 of the party Constitution obligate such a member to popularise the party, observe discipline and comply with the party’s decisions and positions,” the letter stated.

Khalwale has been asked to respond within 14 days and explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him under Articles 68 and 69 of the UDA Constitution. The senator’s written response is to be filed at the party secretariat.

“Should the committee find basis for disciplinary proceedings against you, it will issue formal summons for your attendance at such time and place as shall be directed,” the letter added.

In response, Senator Khalwale defended his decision, saying he chose to support Seth Panyako because the Malava by-election had attracted “external forces” and “imposed leaders.” He insisted that Panyako represented “a genuine cause” for the people of Malava.