Politicians Face Removal Over By-Election Defiance

Several politicians allied to the broad-based arrangement will lose lucrative parliamentary positions after backing opposition candidates in the recent by-elections.

Khalwale to Lose Majority Whip Role

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei confirmed that the removals will start Tuesday, December 2. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who campaigned for DAP-Kenya’s Seth Panyako in the Malava parliamentary polls despite being a UDA lawmaker, will lose his role as Senate Majority Whip.

Khalwale joined other opposition leaders, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, to rally support for Panyako. However, Panyako narrowly lost to his UDA rival David Ndakwa, who secured 21,564 votes against Panyako’s 20,210.

Party Loyalty Non-Negotiable

Cherargei said he will remove Khalwale and other UDA and ODM lawmakers who backed opposition candidates.

“Some UDA MPs and ODM members supported our opponents in the by-elections. Tomorrow, we will remove them from parliamentary leadership positions,” Cherargei said.

He added, “We will strip the Kakamega senator of his Majority Whip role. We will also remove committee leaders who did not support our candidates.”

Cherargei stressed that party loyalty and discipline are non-negotiable. He warned that leaders who support the opposition will face tougher consequences.

By-Elections Boost for Ruto

UDA and ODM won all parliamentary seats in the November 27 by-elections. UDA claimed Mbeere North, Malava, and Banisa, while ODM secured Kasipul, Magarini, and Ugunja.

Observers say the results boost President William Ruto ahead of his 2027 bid while presenting a fresh challenge to the united opposition.