Khalwale: We will make Kakamega great again
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has declared his commitment to restoring the county’s glory, rallying residents behind what he calls the “Make Kakamega Great Again” (MAKAGA) vision.
In a statement on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Khalwale expressed confidence that it is only a matter of time before Kakamega reclaims its rightful place as a centre of economic, cultural, and political influence in Western Kenya.
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“We will Make Kakamega Great Again (MAKAGA). Just a matter of time,” Khalwale said.
The senator, popularly known as the “bullfighter”, has been vocal about improving service delivery, strengthening local governance, and unlocking economic opportunities for the people of Kakamega.
Barasa’s stance
This comes a few months after Governor Fernandes Barasa criticised Senator Bonny Khalwale for allegedly trying to disrupt service delivery through what he described as propaganda.
Speaking during the swearing-in of the newly appointed members of the Kakamega County Public Service Board held at Bukhungu Stadium, Barasa urged Khalwale to champion the cause of devolution by actively supporting bills aimed at ensuring sufficient funds reach counties.
“Senator Khalwale should stop insisting and peddling lies and propaganda and focus on his duty of ensuring the timely disbursement of funds from the national government. His yapping will not stop us from delivering our agenda or mandate,” Barasa noted.
He asked all those eyeing the governor’s seat to wait until the 2027 campaigns and give the current government time to work.
“We will not allow aspirants to distract us. At this moment, we are focused on delivering our agenda and completing initiated projects, and we will not allow ourselves to be distracted by petty politics. Senators have a lot of work, and Khalwale needs to protect devolution,” said Barasa.
“Our functions in 47 counties are being taken by the National government, but now instead of disseminating his mandate, he’s busy spreading propaganda.”
Similarly, in February 2025, Barasa accused Senator Boni Khalwale of peddling lies, claiming that he had mismanaged Ksh928 million intended for health projects.
Speaking in Matungu constituency during the launch of the 10km road per ward project, Barasa dismissed Senator Khalwale’s allegations, saying he could have forgotten his role of defending and supporting devolution.
“Last year he (Khalwale) whipped all the senators to block Ksh22 million that was to be given to all counties, denying Kakamega Ksh1 billion, which would have been used to purchase drugs and upgrade our health system,” he said.
