Khalwale declares interest in becoming Kakamega governor in 2027
By Arnold Ngure, August 4, 2025Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has vowed to humiliate Governor Fernandes Barasa in the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Speaking in Kakamega on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Khalwale stated that Barasa was handed the seat by his predecessor, Wycliffe Oparanya, and that the governor could not win against him in a free and fair election.
“Barasa boasts to us because he was gifted this seat by Oparanya. I will not tire of bringing resources to our county and holding the governor accountable,” Khalwale said.
Best in the country
“My time for becoming the governor is 2027, and I want to be the best governor in the Republic of Kenya.”
Khalwale, a fierce critic of Barasa, had earlier announced that he would do whatever it takes to unseat the governor, even if it means ditching his UDA Party.
While addressing supporters at his Malinya home on Monday, July 13, 2025, the outspoken senator stated that the path to becoming governor through UDA is no longer viable
Ditch UDA
“The path to becoming Kakamega Governor through UDA imefungwa; it’s not there,” Khalwale said.
He pointed to a recent instance when President William Ruto, during a visit to Kakamega, publicly praised Governor Barasa—his main political opponent—and referred to him as a close ally.
This, according to Khalwale, casts serious doubt on whether the president would support his candidacy under UDA in the next election.
“Nikitegemea hiyo UDA ni Chama ya rais, mlimsikia akisema hadharani tukiwa Equity Bank, alisema ya kwamba yeye na Barasa ni chanda na pete” Khalwale added.
He went on to call upon the President, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to support his 2027 gubernatorial bid.
He reminded the president how he stood by him, took him to Western Kenya, and campaigned for him.
He also reminded Mudavadi how everyone abandoned him in 2013 when he contested the presidency, and how he was the only one who came out to support him. He told them that it is now their time to return the favour and support him in 2027.