UDA Party Removes Khalwale as Senate Majority Whip, David Wafula Takes Over
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has officially lost his position as Senate Majority Whip following a dramatic decision by his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
The removal was confirmed by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi during a plenary session on Tuesday, after he received official correspondence from the ruling party.
“From the correspondence, the minutes indicate that a resolution was passed to remove the Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale in accordance with standing order 225,” Kingi stated.
The decision takes immediate effect, with Bungoma Senator David Wakoli Wafula appointed as Khalwale’s replacement. “Standing order 228 provides that the speaker, upon receipt of the decision, shall verify the correspondence received and deliver a communication to the Senate within three sitting days. I have verified the correspondence and can confirm the majority party has effected a change in the office of the Senate majority whip. The new officeholder, with immediate effect, is Senator David Wafula,” Kingi added.
Khalwale, present during the announcement, maintained a solemn demeanor in the Senate, reflecting the expected outcome. His removal significantly reduces his influence, as the Senate Majority Whip is responsible for enforcing party discipline and coordinating the passage of key legislation.
The rift between Khalwale and UDA leadership had been apparent in recent months. Tensions escalated after his Nandi counterpart, Senator Samson Cherargei, publicly vowed that the party would “discipline” him for defiance. This followed Khalwale’s controversial alliance with opposition leaders, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, in support of Seth Panyako during the Malava by-election.
The campaign, which opposed UDA’s candidate David Ndakwa, ended in defeat for Panyako, with Ndakwa clinching the seat in a tightly contested race.
Speaking on Tuesday, Cherargei indicated that Khalwale’s ouster could mark the beginning of broader disciplinary actions against party rebels. “There are our UDA MPs and those from the broad-based party ODM who supported our opponents in the by-elections. Tomorrow, we will begin the process of removing them from the leadership of the parliament,” he warned.
The development highlights growing tensions within UDA as it seeks to maintain strict party discipline ahead of key legislative and electoral battles, with Khalwale’s ouster serving as a stark signal to other lawmakers considering defiance.
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UDA Party Removes Khalwale as Senate Majority Whip, David Wafula Takes Over