Speaking on Friday, December 26, at the home of the late former Likuyani MP Enock Kibunguchy, Khalwale said he had chosen mourning over celebration after losing both Kibunguchy and former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in quick succession.
The senator said the double loss had deeply affected him, making it impossible for him to take part in Christmas or end-year festivities.
Khalwale explained that he was still grappling with the shock of Jirongo’s death when news of Kibunguchy’s passing reached him, leaving him emotionally drained.
Khalwale explained that he was still grappling with the shock of Jirongo’s death when news of Kibunguchy’s passing reached him, leaving him emotionally drained.
He described the two leaders as more than political allies, saying they were personal friends who had played significant roles in his professional and political journey.
The senator recalled that his relationship with Kibunguchy stretched back to their early medical careers, long before politics brought them into the public spotlight.
The senator recalled that his relationship with Kibunguchy stretched back to their early medical careers, long before politics brought them into the public spotlight.
According to Khalwale, both he and the late Kibunguchy were trained doctors, and it was Kibunguchy who mentored him in some of his earliest medical procedures.
“He is the man who showed me how to carry out my first caesarean section,” Khalwale said, describing the late former MP as a teacher, colleague and trusted friend whose guidance shaped his early career.
Khalwale also reflected on the role played by Cyrus Jirongo in launching his political life. He revealed that Jirongo supported and financed his initial attempt to enter elective politics, even at a time when political interests within the region were sharply contested.
He noted that despite supporting Kibunguchy during earlier political contests, Jirongo stood by him and believed in his leadership potential.
“He is the man who showed me how to carry out my first caesarean section,” Khalwale said, describing the late former MP as a teacher, colleague and trusted friend whose guidance shaped his early career.
Khalwale also reflected on the role played by Cyrus Jirongo in launching his political life. He revealed that Jirongo supported and financed his initial attempt to enter elective politics, even at a time when political interests within the region were sharply contested.
He noted that despite supporting Kibunguchy during earlier political contests, Jirongo stood by him and believed in his leadership potential.
Khalwale said the confidence both leaders had in him, including encouraging him to consider running for governor, left a lasting impact on his life.
The senator said the pain of losing both men was compounded by the fact that he had recently visited Jirongo’s home with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, barely a month before his death.
The senator said the pain of losing both men was compounded by the fact that he had recently visited Jirongo’s home with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, barely a month before his death.
The visit, he said, had been part of routine political engagements, making the loss even harder to process.
As a result, Khalwale said he declined invitations to several major cultural and social events that he traditionally attends every year.
As a result, Khalwale said he declined invitations to several major cultural and social events that he traditionally attends every year.
He confirmed that he skipped the Kabras Cultural Festival, where he is often the chief guest, as well as the annual Maragoli Cultural Festival held on December 26 in Vihiga County.
He added that he also chose not to attend Christmas church services, saying it felt inappropriate to celebrate while mourning close friends.
He added that he also chose not to attend Christmas church services, saying it felt inappropriate to celebrate while mourning close friends.
Khalwale said festivities lose meaning when shared bonds and friendships are suddenly broken by death.
“Christmas without friends is not Christmas,” he remarked, adding that joy cannot coexist with grief of such magnitude.
In a gesture of solidarity with the family of the late Kibunguchy, Khalwale announced that he would donate bulls usually reserved for bullfighting activities to help feed mourners during the funeral.
“Christmas without friends is not Christmas,” he remarked, adding that joy cannot coexist with grief of such magnitude.
In a gesture of solidarity with the family of the late Kibunguchy, Khalwale announced that he would donate bulls usually reserved for bullfighting activities to help feed mourners during the funeral.
Kibunguchy died while receiving treatment at Eldoret Hospital.
The deaths of Jirongo and Kibunguchy have drawn attention across western Kenya, with many leaders noting the coincidence that Kibunguchy politically succeeded Jirongo and that both passed away around the same period.
The deaths of Jirongo and Kibunguchy have drawn attention across western Kenya, with many leaders noting the coincidence that Kibunguchy politically succeeded Jirongo and that both passed away around the same period.
