Khalwale cautions Oparanya over tutam politics in Mulembe region
By Mabonga Makhanu, April 19, 2026Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has slammed Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya over what he termed the propagation of “Tutam” politics in Western Kenya.
Speaking passionately in Shitoli, Kakamega County, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the outspoken senator argued that there is little justification for residents of the Mulembe region to support President William Ruto for a second term, citing a lack of tangible development.
Khalwale maintained that “Tutam” politics should be reserved for regions where the government has delivered meaningful projects. He noted that in areas where leaders and residents chant such slogans, it is often because they have something to show for it. However, he insisted that the Mulembe region has not received comparable development.
“Skia wewe Oparanya wakati mnatembea na president mkiambia yeye tutam, mkiomba watu wetu waseme tutam, watu wa Nyanza wanaseme hivyo kwa sababu Ruto amewachia hao maendeleo. Amefanya nini hapa?” Khalwale posed.
“The president can’t treat the Mulembe region like Kenyans who are not on the same level as other Kenyans,” he added.
In a scathing attack, the senator challenged local MPs to point out any major road project in the region that has been allocated funds and included in the national budget, claiming that none exists. He further criticised the president’s visits to the region, alleging that they are often marked by promises without immediate implementation.
Khalwale contrasted this with other regions, including Nyanza, where he claimed development projects are delivered more promptly. He warned that the president cannot treat the people of Mulembe as second-class citizens and still expect their political support.
Ruto’s mulembe re-election machinery
This comes at a time when Ruto has set up campaign machinery for his 2027 re-election.
Dubbed the Western Region Ruto Campaign Caucus, it comprises all the governors except their Trans-Nzoia counterpart, George Natembeya, who is firmly aligned with the
United Opposition, as well as a handful of MPs and women representatives, including those from Vihiga, Bungoma, and Trans-Nzoia, who hold senior positions in the caucus.