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Khalwale sparks laughter in Senate after claiming Veronica Maina has a crush on him
05th May, 2026 08:08 PM
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale sparked laughter in the Senate after claiming that Senator Veronica Maina had a “crush” on him during proceedings on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The moment came after a brief exchange between the two senators over remarks on the blue economy.
He explained that the comment arose after Senator Maina suggested that he did not understand the topic. He said he rose on a point of order to respond to the claim while addressing the Speaker.
“Mr Speaker, standing on a point of order, granted that Senator Veronica Maina might be having an afternoon crush on me. Is it in order to suggest that I do not know what the blue economy is?” Boni Khalwale said.
The remark drew laughter in the chamber, prompting a response from Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. He explained that the statement was not appropriate within parliamentary rules and asked Khalwale to withdraw it.
The speaker said the words used were unparliamentary and directed Khalwale to take back the statement and maintain decorum during the proceedings.
“I withdraw but wish to clarify that the crush was occasioned by the fact that she did not just comment on me once; she did it severally, which is the medical characteristic of a crush,” Boni Khalwale said.
Senate debate on blue economy
Maina had earlier explained her position on the blue economy while addressing the Senate. She said some leaders may not have had direct experience with large water bodies, which affects their understanding of the subject.
She explained that exposure to oceans and seas is important for leaders discussing the sector, adding that such experiences could help senators better understand the topic.
“I believe all the senators who have not experienced the massive waters, the oceans, and the seas, like Senator Boni Khalwale, who have only water in a bucket when they are taking showers, can have the opportunity to experience the beauty of this land of Kenya,” Veronica Maina said.
She went on to suggest that senators should be given a chance to experience the blue economy, saying that this could be done through organised activities that involve water travel.
“I want to ask the committee that is planning for this Senate mashinani to consider that the senators have an opportunity to board a ship or a boat or some water vessel to experience how it is to survive in the seas and blue economy sector,” Veronica Maina said.
“Nobody should confuse the blue economy with blue skies. Senator Khalwale, the blue economy is about the seas and oceans,” Veronica Maina said.
