Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has stated that he has never attended a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, despite being a member.

Speaking during an event in Kakamega on Thursday, December 4, 2025, Khalwale, who was recently ousted from his position as Senate Majority Whip, said that when NEC meetings, which happen to be the biggest decision-making organs of the party, are held, he is never informed or consulted.

“Even when they hold meetings, I am a member of the NEC of UDA, but I am never informed,” Khalwale said.

According to Khalwale, the challenges he faces are due to the continued sidelining of the region, which he claims is not counted at the national level. He promised Kakamega residents that in 2027, he will ensure their lost glory is restored and that they will have a seat at the national table.

“I have refused to accept that Luhyas don’t count. I am saying that in 2027, this time we will be counted, and we will be known. I will make sure that in 2027, Kakamega gets a seat at the national table,” he affirmed.

Ouster from party

This comes at a time when Khalwale was removed from Senate leadership and replaced by his Bungoma counterpart, Wafula Wakoli.

 This followed his decision to defy UDA party directives by campaigning for United Opposition candidate Seth Panyako in the Malava by-election, instead of supporting the UDA candidate, David Ndakwa, who ultimately won the seat with 21,564 votes.

Recently, Khalwale’s political steps appear to be moving towards the opposition. He has openly joined forces with United Opposition principals to campaign for Seth Panyako.

During forums, he assured DAP-K party boss Eugene Wamalwa that he is fully behind him as he engages with other United Opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

Courting Khalwale

Several leaders have approached him to join their formations after he was “dewhipped” by his UDA party. Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala personally invited him to join his party, promising to support him during this challenging time.

Similarly, Eugene Wamalwa extended an offer, stating that should the party face the same situation, DAP-K would be ready to accommodate Khalwale, even promising him a deputy party leader position previously held by Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula.

Launching party

Khalwale’s departure from UDA was long anticipated. Months ago, he launched the United Patriotic Movement (UPM) party, managed by university students, as his vehicle for 2027.

According to him, he lost confidence in UDA, which he had been banking on for the gubernatorial seat, after party leader President William Ruto appeared to declare support for Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa, his main opponent in the 2027 gubernatorial race.