Speaking on Saturday at Eregi village in Idakho South, Ikolomani Constituency, Khalwale said political backing from Western Kenya cannot be assumed and should be based on what the government delivers to the people.
The outspoken senator claimed he played a major role in popularising President Ruto in the Luhya region and therefore deserves to be consulted on political plans affecting the community.
“I am the one who introduced President Ruto to the Luhya people. If anyone wants to talk about 2027 and whether we support him or not, they must talk to the person who brought him here,” Khalwale told residents.
He said he had made major political sacrifices for the President but was later pushed aside after asking for discussions on the future of the Luhya community.
Khalwale argued that political loyalty should not be unconditional, insisting that leaders must clearly explain to voters what they stand to gain from supporting a candidate.
“You cannot tell people to support someone for two terms when that person has not explained what he is doing for them,” he said.
“We will only ask our people to vote for President Ruto after he convinces me that the Luhya community matters.”
Khalwale’s remarks come shortly after he was removed from his position as Senate Majority Whip. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the change earlier this month, saying Bungoma Senator David Wakoli had taken over the role following a decision by the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The ruling coalition accused Khalwale of indiscipline after he openly supported Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako during the Malava by-election instead of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa.
Khalwale campaigned alongside DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, a move that angered UDA leaders and triggered disciplinary action.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei publicly criticised Khalwale, saying he had defied the party that sponsored him to Parliament and should face consequences.
Since his removal, Khalwale has intensified his criticism of the government, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of sidelining Western Kenya and ignoring leaders who helped it gain support in the region.
The Kakamega senator has also hinted at forming his own political party as he positions himself for the 2027 Kakamega gubernatorial race.
Khalwale’s remarks come shortly after he was removed from his position as Senate Majority Whip. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the change earlier this month, saying Bungoma Senator David Wakoli had taken over the role following a decision by the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The ruling coalition accused Khalwale of indiscipline after he openly supported Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako during the Malava by-election instead of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa.
Khalwale campaigned alongside DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, a move that angered UDA leaders and triggered disciplinary action.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei publicly criticised Khalwale, saying he had defied the party that sponsored him to Parliament and should face consequences.
Since his removal, Khalwale has intensified his criticism of the government, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of sidelining Western Kenya and ignoring leaders who helped it gain support in the region.
The Kakamega senator has also hinted at forming his own political party as he positions himself for the 2027 Kakamega gubernatorial race.
