Africa-Press – Kenya. Kakamega Senator Boni KhalwaleKakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has claimed there is a plan to arrest him ahead of Thursday’s by-election in Malava constituency, linking the alleged move to heightened political activity in the area.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Khalwale spoke in a firm tone as he responded to what he described as information he had received informally.
He said he was not intimidated by the reports and would not go into hiding.
“I hear from the grapevine that they want to arrest me. Please, don’t waste your fuel — I will either sleep in my home, which is very well known, or, in memory of Peter Soita Shitanda, I will sleep in his hotel in Malava,” he said.
“Just come there, and I will accompany you in the usual way.”
Khalwale further alleged that his security detail had been withdrawn.
He also claimed that the security assigned to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya had been recalled.
He argued that the changes raised questions, particularly with the by-election approaching.
According to the senator, his office is ordinarily entitled to six police officers as Senate Majority Whip, but he said all had been withdrawn without explanation.
“Where are they? What are you planning to do?” he asked, adding that the withdrawal could be interpreted as part of wider political tension ahead of the polls.
However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed suggestions of political targeting.
He confirmed that the security details of Governor Natembeya and several other VIPs had been withdrawn, saying the move was based on a National Police Service (NPS) report.
Speaking during a briefing in Kasipul on Wednesday, Murkomen said they followed concerns raised by the police regarding the conduct of some officers attached to VIPs.
“Any security measure taken by the National Police Service is to avoid crisis. If a police officer attached to a VIP is walking and working with goons, the best thing is to remove them,” he said.
The Malava by-election has become one of the region’s most closely watched contests, with UDA’s David Ndakwa and DAP-K’s Seth Panyako emerging as the leading candidates.
Panyako, who has frequently criticised the government, has framed the contest as significant beyond the constituency level.
The race has drawn in high-profile national leaders. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya have been in Malava to rally support for Ndakwa.
Opposition leaders, including Eugene Wamalwa, Natembeya, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Khalwale, have backed Panyako’s campaign.
The heavy political presence has heightened the stakes, with leaders aligned to the government emphasising the importance of securing the seat.
Khalwale said attempts to intimidate him would not deter his involvement in the campaign.
“I have been arrested, teargassed, and shot at for many years. I was first teargassed at the age of 22… It’s nothing new,” he said.
He also urged for respect in the region and dismissed political mobilisation efforts he believes are being made in the constituency.
The Malava seat fell vacant following the death of MP Moses Malulu Injendi on February 17 while receiving treatment in Nairobi.
The constituency is among 24 areas scheduled for by-elections on Thursday, including Banissa, Ugunja, Mbeere North, Magarini, Kasipul, the Baringo senatorial seat and 17 ward-level contests.
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