UDA summons Khalwale over backing DAP-K’s Seth Panyako
By Ascah Mwango, October 14, 2025The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has summoned Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale to explain his involvement in campaigning for a rival party’s candidate in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election.
In a letter dated October 9, 2025, UDA’s Disciplinary Committee accused Khalwale of gross misconduct and disloyalty after he reportedly backed Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako instead of the party’s official flag bearer, David Ndakwa.
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The letter, signed by committee chairperson Charles Njenga, stated that the senator’s recent political activities and utterances had raised questions about his allegiance to the ruling party.
“The committee receives information and evidence of your political activities, utterances, and associations which are in the public domain,” Njenga wrote.
Adding;
“These include your open and vocal support for a candidate from another political party who is competing with the UDA candidate in the Malava by-election.”
Njenga further said Khalwale’s actions amounted to conduct unbecoming of a UDA member and violated the party’s constitution and code of conduct, which require members to promote and defend the party’s interests.
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“Your said activities clearly demonstrate allegiance to another political party and constitute conduct unbecoming and disloyalty to the United Democratic Alliance Party, which nominated you for election as Senator of Kakamega County,” the letter added.
The senator has been given 14 days to respond and explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
The committee warned that if sufficient grounds are established, Khalwale could face formal disciplinary proceedings as provided for under the UDA constitution.
Khalwale’s trouble with the party comes barely a week after he publicly declared his support for Panyako during a campaign event in Malava on October 8, 2025.
“Wamalwa anatembea na Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Rigathi Gachagua wanamchekelea kwamba wewe uko na nani. Wamalwa, Sikia, kuanzia leo ambia wenzako, you will never walk alone, kwa sababu uko na bullfighter Senator Boni Khalwale,” Khalwale said during the rally.
His remarks fueled speculation that he had distanced himself from UDA’s position in the race.
The Malava parliamentary seat fell vacant in February 2025 following the death of MP Malulu Injendi, who passed away while receiving treatment in Nairobi. The by-election is scheduled for November 27, 2025.