Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has vowed that should he be elected governor in 2027, he will name at least one public facility after the late Martin Shikuku.

While speaking during a funeral in Butere, the gubernatorial hopeful stated that he wants to immortalise Shikuku, whom he said brought a lot of pride to the Luhya nation and was one of the finest leaders the community has produced.

The bullfighter further said he would ensure that a hospital, road, school, or even an airport is named after Martin Shikuku.

He added that Shikuku, who was among the “Seven Bearded Sisters” of the Sixth Parliament, left a legacy deeply rooted in what he termed the fabric of the Luhya nation and should never be forgotten.

He noted that Shikuku is perceived to have been forgotten because he refused to steal public resources and instead fought for the downtrodden. Khalwale further stated that today’s devolution enjoyed by Kenyans was made possible by leaders like Martin Shikuku.

“Mimi natangaza kwa watu wa Kakamega na Butere, Mungu akinijalia niwe governor wa Kakamega mwaka ujao, nitahakikisha kwamba hospitali moja, ama barabara, iwe airport, iwe shule, iwe kwa jina la Shikuku.”

“I will make sure I immortalise the name of Martin Shikuku.”

Khalwale’s gubernatorial ambitions

This comes at a time when Khalwale’s bid for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat is in high gear. He has since announced his exit from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which he used to vie for the senatorial seat in 2022.

Khalwale has also formed his own party, the United Patriotic Movement (UPM), which he intends to use as his political vehicle in the upcoming elections.

He has accused the president of betrayal, saying that despite the president being fully aware that he was eyeing the gubernatorial seat, he went ahead and appeared to endorse the incumbent governor, Fernandes Barasa, who is an ODM member, for the Kakamega seat.

Khalwale’s feud with Ruto

He also accused the head of state of betraying him, saying that during the run-up to the 2022 general election, President Ruto had promised him the health cabinet secretary position and that he was supposed to resign with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula from their parliamentary roles, but that did not materialise.

Khalwale was recently ousted from his role as majority whip and replaced by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli after he chose to support a different candidate from the one UDA had fronted for the Malava 2025 byelection contest.

The Kakamega gubernatorial race has so far attracted four candidates: the incumbent, who will be defending his seat; Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, who has agreed to partner with former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala;