Boni Khalwale says Luhyas do all the work for wealthy Kenyans
By Paulette Mboga, August 21, 2026Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has said Luhyas play a major role in supporting wealthy Kenyans through different jobs and businesses.
Speaking at Malinya Grounds in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega County, on Friday, August 21, 2026, during the funeral of his wife, Gloria Khalwale, Khalwale said many wealthy people in Nairobi depend on Luhyas to take care of their children, homes and businesses.
Khalwale said Luhyas are trusted with important responsibilities by wealthy families in Nairobi. He explained that some families leave their children under the care of house girls from the Luhya community when they go to work. He also said Luhyas are employed to provide security at homes.
“I am saying this with humility. Kenya hii hakuna hata mtu hata moja mwenye mluhya amekosea,” Boni Khalwale said.
The senator explained that the role of Luhyas extends to different areas of daily life in Nairobi. He said wealthy families leave their children with house girls who are Luhyas while they go to work. Khalwale also pointed to the role played by Luhyas in providing security at homes.
Khalwale lists roles played by Luhyas
Khalwale said wealthy people also depend on Luhyas when looking for security at their homes. He explained that watchmen from the community are trusted to protect homes while their employers are away. He used the examples to highlight what he described as the contribution of Luhyas to the lives of wealthy Kenyans.
“Ukienda Nairobi matajiri wakienda kazini huwa wanawacha watoto wao katika mikono ya house girl ambaye ni mluhya,” Khalwale said.
The senator further said Luhyas are also involved in the matatu business in Nairobi. He explained that wealthy people who want their matatus to attract passengers from areas such as Kawangware and Mathare depend on Luhyas to help fill the vehicles. He also mentioned the boda boda business as another area where he said Luhyas are involved.
“Matajiri wanapoenda kazini, huwa wanawacha usalama wa boma kwa watchman ambaye ni mluhya,” Khalwale said.
Khalwale said the contribution continues to other businesses owned by wealthy Kenyans. He explained that some wealthy people who have bought boda bodas in Nairobi rely on Luhyas to operate the motorcycles as businesses. He said the examples showed the different roles played by members of the community.
The funeral service was conducted by the Catholic Church, with family, friends, political leaders and residents gathered to pay their final respects. Among the leaders in attendance were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, among other political leaders.