Khalwale’s conduct under scrutiny as Barasa petitions Senate Speaker Kingi
By Joel Masibo, October 6, 2025Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale risks disciplinary measures as Governor Fernandes Barasa has filed a petition against the legislator’s conduct following his physical confrontation with the particular devolved unit’s staff member on Friday, October 3, 2025.
In his petition to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Kakamega County boss has condemned Khalwale’s conduct towards County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Benjamin Andama. Barasa has described the senator’s actions as “regrettable and abhorrent”. Barasa’s petition follows a dramatic incident on Friday during an inspection tour by the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations.
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“The County Government of Kakamega welcomed the Senate Devolution Committee in good faith, with the full expectation that the inspection and any interrogations would be constructive and professional,” Barasa said in a statement. Fernandes Barasa also asked Speaker Kingi to uphold the integrity of the Senate and maintain its constitutional mandate in the investigation of the matter.
“When this objectivity is lost, the true spirit of oversight is undermined,” he said.
The confrontation ensued when Khalwale, in the company of Devolution Committee chair Mohamed Abass, alongside senators Richard Onyonka and Catherine Mumma, was on a tour of the Kakamega County Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Barasa defended Andama’s professional record, asking Speaker Kingi to intervene. “We reiterate our commitment to working respectfully, openly and cooperatively with the Senate. However, we equally affirm that we shall not condone violence, intimidation, or disrespect against our officers. We therefore urge the Speaker of the Senate to investigate this matter expeditiously and take firm action. We also call upon law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for CECM, Benjamin Andama,” Barasa said.
What the Senate Speaker can do
Possible Actions by the Senate Speaker
- Forward the case to the Powers and Privileges Committee
Under parliamentary procedure, any violation of the Speaker’s Rules can be referred to the Committee on Powers and Privileges for review. The committee then examines the said misconduct and recommends disciplinary measures where necessary.
In this case, if Senator Boni Khalwale’s behaviour, such as displaying hostility or coming close to a physical altercation, is interpreted as contempt of the House or a disruption of Senate order, the Speaker has the authority to escalate the matter to this committee for inquiry.
- Enforce a temporary suspension
Should the Committee on Powers and Privileges establish that Senator Boni Khalwale has indeed breached parliamentary decorum, the Senate may vote to bar him from participating in sessions or withdraw some of its privileges.
For example, former Senator Gloria Orwoba faced a 79-day suspension after the committee’s findings confirmed she had breached House conduct rules.
- Call for a formal apology or withdrawal of remarks
In cases involving offensive remarks or behaviour that contravenes Senate standards, Speaker Kingi can, with the committee’s backing, compel the offending Boni Khalwale to issue a public apology or retract his action.
However, the Speaker’s options may be influenced by political alignments, the balance of power in the chamber, or external pressure from interest groups.
Meanwhile, Senator Boni Khalwale is yet to apologise after the physical confrontation. Instead, the lawmaker captioned his social media post, insisting that officials must be accountable when it comes to handling public resources.