Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has revealed why he threw his weight behind Ryan Injendi, the son of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi, in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election, a move that has stirred political tension in Western Kenya.

Speaking during a bullfighting event in Mihati, Malava Constituency, Khalwale said his support for Ryan was not just political, but deeply personal, inspired by a sense of fairness and the memory of mentorship that once defined Luhya politics.

He faulted Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for failing to support Ryan in his bid to succeed his father.

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“Wewe Mudavadi, mbona hukumuunga mtoto wa Malulu mkono? Na wewe vile babako alikufa, Mzee Fred Gumo, Philip Mwangale, and Wamalwa Kijana walisema lazima kijana ya Moses Mudavadi awe mbunge,” Khalwale said.

Khalwale drew parallels between Mudavadi’s rise to politics and Ryan’s situation, recalling how a young Musalia was supported by senior leaders after the death of his father, Moses Mudavadi.

He said it was only fair that Mudavadi now extend the same gesture to Ryan, the son of a man who loyally served the community and the Kenya Kwanza administration until his death.

The senator said his decision to stand with Ryan was guided by a principle of continuity and loyalty, values he believes have been lost in today’s politics.

“When a leader falls, those left behind must ensure their vision doesn’t die,” Khalwale said, insisting that Ryan deserved the same support his father gave others.

Despite being elected on a UDA ticket, Khalwale has openly defied party lines, urging Malava residents to reject the UDA candidate being fronted by Mudavadi and other government-allied officials.

His move has raised eyebrows within the ruling coalition, with many interpreting it as a show of defiance against President William Ruto’s inner circle.

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Ryan Injendi had earlier accused Mudavadi of meddling in the UDA primaries, stating that his office influenced the process in favour of David Ndakwa, who eventually clinched the ticket.

Although Ryan later bowed out and pledged support for Ndakwa after Farouk Kibet, a close aide of the President, promised him a government position, Khalwale says the damage was already done and that the betrayal left a lasting scar.

Khalwale’s decision to back Ryan, therefore, goes beyond politics. It’s his way of honouring legacy, restoring fairness, and challenging what he calls “a dangerous culture of abandoning our own.”