Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has pledged to rally behind Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa as he engages other top leaders in the united opposition movement.

Speaking in Malava Constituency after accompanying Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) chairperson Seth Panyako for clearance to contest in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Khalwale assured Wamalwa of his full support as he reaches out to fellow opposition figures.

Khalwale, who is still a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), urged Wamalwa not to be discouraged by critics who have been mocking him for associating with figures such as former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and DCP’s party leader Rigathi Gachagua.

He said Wamalwa should not feel isolated for lacking visible support from Western Kenya, pledging to stand firmly by his side.

“Wamalwa anatembea na Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Rigathi Gachagua wanamchekelea kwamba wewe uko na nani. Wamalwa, sikia, kuanzia leo ambia wenzako you will never walk alone, kwa sababu uko na bullfighter Senator Boni Khalwale,” Khalwale said.

Although the senator did not clearly state whether he has officially joined the united opposition, his recent political moves suggest that he has distanced himself from UDA.

Recently, Khalwale publicly endorsed DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako over UDA’s Peter Ndakwa in the Malava by-election scheduled for November 27.

He explained that his preferred candidate was the late Malulu Injendi’s son, Ryan Injendi, who failed to secure the UDA ticket, prompting him to support Panyako instead.

Khalwale’s recent political moves

Khalwale, who has declared interest in the Kakamega gubernatorial seat, had earlier announced that he would not use UDA as his political vehicle in 2027.

He argued that the party he used to clinch victory in 2022 has since shifted its support to his main rival, Governor Fernandes Barasa, for re-election.

Following this fallout, Khalwale launched his own political outfit, the United Patriotic Movement (UPM), which he plans to use in his future political pursuits.

“Leaders of that party are university students; the party is called the United Patriotic Movement (UPM),” he said.