FROM ALLY TO THORN IN THE FLESH

Firebrand Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has broken his silence on the impeachment saga that ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, branding it "a blunder of historic proportions" and "political suicide" that could cost the ruling coalition dearly in the 2027 elections.

In a candid assessment that echoes Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s earlier sentiments, Khalwale minced no words: “I fully agree with Wetang’ula—impeaching Gachagua was not just reckless, it was political suicide.”

Drawing a sharp comparison with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Khalwale pointed on how the former head of state maintained Ruto as his deputy despite not reading on the same page with him. “Uhuru, for all his flaws, was a sharp operator. Even when Ruto became a thorn in his flesh, he endured—for the sake of re-election. Then, with power secured, he dropped him like a hot potato. That’s strategy.”

In stark contrast, Khalwale said the current leadership had failed to think long-term. “Now look—Gachagua is out there, unleashed and vengeful, pouring his fury into the public. The damage is real.”

His remarks come at a time when the political temperature is boiling over, with Gachagua launching a wave of counterattacks, publicly accusing former allies of betrayal and warning of a looming Mt. Kenya revolt.

Khalwale questioned the wisdom behind the move: “I honestly can’t tell what kind of political arithmetic informed this impeachment—it’s a complete flop. You can be a political genius, but even the best miss the mark.”

And in a warning that could rattle the Kenya Kwanza coalition to its core, Khalwale concluded bluntly: “Let’s be honest—at this rate, a 2027 re-election is no longer a goal. It’s a miracle.”

His statement has sparked fresh debate within political circles, as the ruling coalition grapples with internal fractures, wounded egos, and a resurgent opposition waiting in the wings.