Senator Boni Khalwale is amplifying calls for the construction of an international airport in Kakamega, despite the town’s proximity to Kisumu City, which already hosts an international airport just 48 kilometres away.
The debate over the necessity of a second international airport in the region has intensified following Khalwale’s recent remarks.
Khalwale’s comments came in response to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s efforts to unify the Luhya community.
He dismissed Wetang’ula’s recent meeting with Kakamega MCAs as a mere photo opportunity aimed at bolstering his image as the region’s political leader.
“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 wrote on X on June 7, 2024.
He argued that Wetang’ula should focus on more pressing issues, such as the establishment of an international airport in Kakamega and the town’s elevation to city status.
Khalwale invoked the vision of historical leaders from the region, stating, “At independence in 1963, our leaders from Bungoma, Busia, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, and Kakamega celebrated and cemented Kakamega as our regional political and commercial capital.
“Both Musalia’s father and Wamalwa Kijana, who came after them, never attempted to upset this. 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’s call for an international airport has faced scepticism from some Kenyans, who question the economic rationale behind the project.
“What is the point of having an airport in Kakamega, with the Kisumu one being just a few kilometers away? An hour drive. Bungoma deserves an airport more than Kakamega,” queried a user identified as Vins O.
In response, Khalwale insisted that Kakamega must have an international airport like Kisumu even if it does not make economic sense.
The Kakamega senator emphasized the symbolic importance of the project, downplaying its economic value.
“Don’t let ignorance kill you. Kisumu is the regional political and commercial capital of Nyanza, and Kakamega is the regional political and commercial capital of Western,” he stated.
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