DAP–Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa has faulted the removal of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale from the Senate Majority Leader position, arguing that the decision reflects internal friction within the Kenya Kwanza coalition following the recent Malava by-election.
His remarks were issued on Tuesday through a statement on X, where he linked the leadership changes to Khalwale’s support for DAP–Kenya candidate Seth Panyako.
According to Wamalwa, the senator’s dismissal was tied to his political stance during the by-election, which saw Panyako contest on a DAP–K ticket despite previously being associated with the ruling coalition.
Wamalwa stated that Khalwale’s backing of a rival candidate appeared to have provoked disciplinary action, suggesting this move signalled a broader struggle over political loyalty in Western Kenya.
In the post, Wamalwa defended Khalwale’s conduct and argued that political positions should not be withdrawn based on independent decisions made by elected leaders.
He referenced a line from a Whitney Houston song to underline his message, emphasising that the senator’s “dignity” could not be removed through administrative changes.
Wamalwa added that he believed Khalwale was standing up for the interests of his constituency.
Khalwale’s removal marks the latest in a series of disputes within Kenya Kwanza, particularly in regions where multiple parties under the coalition have fielded competing interests. Western Kenya has historically played a decisive role in national elections, and recent by-elections in the region have exposed tensions between coalition affiliates over voter mobilisation and regional dominance.
The Malava by-election intensified these political dynamics after Panyako, once aligned with UDA, chose to run under DAP–Kenya. Khalwale’s open endorsement of him drew mixed reactions within the coalition, with some leaders viewing his move as undermining unified party strategy ahead of future contests. Kenya Kwanza officials have not yet offered a detailed statement explaining the senator’s removal.
Procedurally, the Senate will formalise the leadership adjustments when the House sits next. It remains uncertain whether Khalwale will seek internal redress or accept the changes as part of coalition decision-making.
The development adds to ongoing debates about party discipline, regional representation, and the place of independent political judgment within multi-party coalitions.
Wamalwa’s reaction is the first major public criticism of the reshuffle and signals potential shifts in Western Kenya political alignments as parties prepare for the next electoral cycle.
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