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Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale claims Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula was plotting to relocate the Western regional headquarters from Kakamega town to Bungoma.

Khalwale claimed Wetang’ula was using his closeness to President William Ruto to have some of the most essential facilities moved from Kakamega to Bungoma to subsequently actualize his plans in the near future.

He accused Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of pushing for interests of their respective Bungoma and Vihiga counties at the expense of Kakamega which is the regional economic and administrative hub.

“Kakamega was declared headquarters of the former Western Province by our gallant forefathers who hailed from different parts of the region. They were never driven by sub-tribal interests,” said Khalwale.

“Now Wetang’ula just comes up and starts plotting to have the decision reversed and have this regional seat of power moved to his home County of Bungoma. I dare Wetang’ula that he has Khalwale to contend with,” he said.

The senator said the speaker was lobbying for construction of an international airport in Bungoma instead of Kakamega. He said it was telling that Wetang’ula and a section of other leaders from Bungoma floated the airport idea to President Ruto during his Madaraka Day visit yet they were aware of similar plans in Kakamega.

“We can not have an international airport in Kakamega and another in Bungoma. So the request by Wetang’ula and group is meant to deny us this facility in favour of his home county. Such schemes did not start today and we shall keep fighting to secure our county,” he declared.

He said families that are supposed to relocate from areas surrounding Kakamega Airstrip in Shinyalu Constituency to pave way for construction of the airport had agreed the compensation terms and were only waiting for funds from the exchequer through the Kakamega County Government. Khalwale accused Wetang’ula and Mudavadi of trying to isolate Kakamega from benefitting from the Ruto administration.

“We had been with William Ruto all the while fighting while they clung on BBI. We lured them to join us and agreed that they lead us on behalf of our community and region. They are now busy failing us once again,” he charged when he addressed a funeral ceremony in Lurambi Constituency on Saturday.