Boni Khalwale Unveils Own Party, Set to Dump UDA Ahead of 2027
- Senator Boni Khalwale has unveiled his own political party, which he plans to use in the 2027 General Election
- He disclosed the position he intends to vie for and explained why the United Democratic Alliance, despite his loyalty to President William Ruto, will not be his political vehicle
- While reflecting on what he termed as past political betrayal, Khalwale also made a humble appeal to the president and fellow Luhya leaders
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Kakamega: Senator Boni Khalwale has unveiled a new political party which he plans to use as his political vehicle in the 2027 General Election.
Source: Facebook
The senator was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2022 polls and has expressed loyalty to President William Ruto, despite his recent criticism of the current regime.
What is Boni Khalwale's new party?
Speaking on Monday, July 14, during the party's launch at his home in Malinya, Khalwale described the party as a youth-driven party managed by university students, with organised teams established across various regions of the country.
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“Leaders of that party are university students; the party is called the United Patriotic Movement (UPM),” Khalwale said.
He introduced several regional coordinators, including a young woman overseeing the Western region, alongside others representing Mt. Kenya and the Coast.
“We have teams across the country; she is in charge of the team in the Western Province, another young woman called Diana is in charge of Mt. Kenya, and another one called Tunde is in charge of Coast,” Khalwale stated.
Source: Facebook
Why did Boni Khalwale form own party?
Khalwale declared his intention to vie for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat under the newly formed party, stating that he no longer sees a viable political future within UDA.
The outspoken politician recalled a public statement made by Ruto linking himself closely with current Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa, implying a lack of support for his gubernatorial ambitions.
“The path to becoming Kakamega governor through UDA is closed; it no longer exists. If I rely on UDA—remember, it’s the president’s party—you all heard him publicly say at Equity Bank that he and Governor Barasa are like two peas in a pod," he said.
Khalwale also revisited events from the 2022 election cycle, expressing frustration over how he was allegedly sidelined.
He described the move as a strategic betrayal, despite his early declaration of interest and efforts to mobilise support on the ground.
Will Boni Khalwale quit UDA?
Despite plans to distance himself from UDA for the 2027 county race, Khalwale clarified that he remains a member of the party that elected him to the Senate.
He cited constitutional limitations that prevent him from formally leaving UDA before the end of his term but emphasised the need to prepare early for the future.
"Since the journey of tomorrow is planned today, we must organise ourselves and have a political party that can take us to the county in 2027," he said.
As he builds momentum for his 2027 bid, Khalwale called on his supporters, Luhya leaders, and the president to rally behind UPM and join him in shaping a new political path for Kakamega county.
Who is the leader of Umoja na Maendeleo Party?
In other news, former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza was appointed the party leader of the Umoja na Maendeleo Party, succeeding Martin Wambora.
She will be deputised by Victor Koome Mwangaza, who replaced Haron Shamala, who was appointed as the deputy party leader.
The appointments were confirmed in a gazette notice published on Friday, July 4. Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu invited any objections to Mwangaza’s leadership to be submitted in writing.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
