Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale has dismissed claims of divisions among leaders and residents in the Western region, insisting that the community remains united despite reports suggesting otherwise.

Addressing supporters during a Linda Mwananchi rally on Saturday, July 25, 2026, the outspoken Senator described reports of disunity as lies from town and urged residents to ignore such narratives as leaders from the region push for Edwin Sifuna’s presidency.

“Hii raporojo mnaambiwa kwamba watu wetu hawako pamoja ni uongo wa town, ni uongo ambao hauko hapa nyumbani. Our people are together,” Khalwale said.

Khalwale also welcomed visitors from across the Western region, saying the area’s people should continue embracing unity as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Reject President Ruto’s leadership

The senator further argued that the Western region rejects President William Ruto’s leadership not on the basis of ethnicity, but because of what he termed failed government policies and unfulfilled promises.

“Sisi hapa Western… tunakataa Ruto kwa sababu siasa ya ukabila. Tunamkataa kwa sababu programu zake zimeshindwa. Mpangilio wa masomo wa CBC umefeli, barabara zote alizoahidi zimekwama, stadium zote alizoanzisha zimefuama,” he said.

Khalwale maintained that Western Kenya is home to people from different communities, saying the region should not be associated with tribal politics.

“Western… makabila yetu yote iko hapa. Sisi ni Wakenya. Hatuwezi kuendeshwa na siasa ya ukabila,” he added.

Politics behind western region division

His remarks come at a time when debate over political unity in Western Kenya has intensified, with several leaders offering contrasting views on the region’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

Recently, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya warned that growing competition among opposition leaders, including the push to elevate Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s influence in Western Kenya politics, could split the region if not carefully managed.

Salasya argued that past elections had shown how internal rivalries weakened Western Kenya’s bargaining power nationally.

“The ongoing push to position Edwin Sifuna at the centre of Western Kenya politics raises important questions. Is this momentum genuinely about strengthening the opposition, or is it being driven by individual political interests that could weaken both DAP-K and the broader united opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election?” Salasya posed.

Sifuna calls for unity

On the other hand, Sifuna has repeatedly called for unity between Western Kenya, Nyanza and the Coast, dismissing claims that recent political disagreements had created hostility between communities.

He insisted that the differences were between individual politicians rather than entire regions, urging supporters to remain united.

“We have said that we must remain united. If you ever believed in the things that Baba used to believe in, we must all remain united,” Sifuna said.

“Na hatuachani! Hatuachani! Nyinyi watu wa Nyanza, nyinyi watu wa Western, wale wa Pwani, hata wakijaribu kuleta fitina gani, mimi naomba tubaki pamoja na tutembee safari hiyo,” he added

The unity debate has also featured in recent meetings convened by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Sifuna, where leaders, including Khalwale, pledged to strengthen cooperation within the Mulembe nation as political realignments gather pace ahead of the next general election.