Khalwale reveals Magufuli’s advice to Raila before his 2018 self-swearing decision
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 22, 2025Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has revealed what the late Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli advised the late Raila Odinga after consulting him on whether to swear himself in as the “People’s President” in 2018.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Khalwale said Magufuli was against Raila’s plan to take the controversial oath.
However, Siaya Governor James Orengo and lawyer Miguna Miguna urged Raila to proceed with the ceremony despite warnings from others, according to Khalwale.
Khalwale noted that he, alongside former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama and a few other leaders, opposed the idea, warning that it was unconstitutional and could have far-reaching consequences.
He stated that Magufuli personally cautioned Raila, advising him that taking the oath would tarnish his global reputation as an admired opposition figure.
Despite Magufuli’s warning, Raila went ahead with the oath at Uhuru Park on January 30, 2018, an event that later divided NASA leaders. According to Khalwale, the ceremony achieved nothing politically, only deepening divisions within the coalition.
“Magufuli called and told Raila, ‘If you take this oath, I can see your team. Khalwale is there, Orengo is there, Miguna is there, Muthama is there.
“Khalwale and Muthama are explicit that you cannot take the oath. If you take it, you will become an international pariah. You will no longer be the admired opposition leader. Don’t take.’ But Orengo kept quiet, Miguna Miguna urged him on, and it came to pass. In result, nothing,” Khalwale said
His remarks come shortly after Siaya Governor James Orengo, during Raila’s requiem mass, criticized NASA leaders who skipped the event, referring to them as cowards and claiming they were men who did not deserve to wear trousers.
Slamming Orengo
Khalwale dismissed Orengo’s statement as emotional and meant to appeal to the public, saying Orengo was fully aware of the constitutional process for assuming power.
He maintained that their decision to oppose the oath was rooted in respect for the law and the safety of Kenyans, not cowardice.
“We also knew that in the event the sitting government would do what it takes to quell that kind of attempt, it was going to result in unnecessary loss of many lives and property. Not because we were cowards when we took that position, but because we knew that the Constitution of Kenya is very explicit on how to take over power” he added.
He added that those against the move understood the government’s likely reaction, which could have led to unnecessary bloodshed and destruction of property.