NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed claims by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale that he was chased away during a condolence visit to the senator’s home following the death of his wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale.
Wetang’ula said he was warmly received by Khalwale when he visited the family on Thursday to convey condolences following Gloria’s death.
Speaking during a public gathering on Saturday, August 22, Wetang’ula said he was therefore surprised to later see claims on social media suggesting that he had been forced to leave the homestead.
“Jana mimi nashangaa jioni naona Khalwale anasema, ‘Huyo mtu anaitwa Weta alikuja hapa, tukamfukuza,’” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker said his visit was intended to condole with Khalwale and his family and that he delivered condolence money from President William Ruto, alongside his own contribution.
“Nimeenda huko kumlia siku ya Thursday. Nikampelekea pesa ya President, yangu, nikaongea na watu. Nilikuwa na Wabunge zaidi ya 10,” he said.
Wetang’ula said Khalwale’s reception during the visit was cordial, contradicting the subsequent account that he had been chased away.
He recalled that the senator embraced him after receiving the condolence contribution and expressed his political support.
“Alipochukua kitita cha pesa, alinifurahia, kanikumbatia, akasema, ‘Wewe ndio ndugu yangu, sijui nini,’” Wetang’ula said.
According to the Speaker, Khalwale also described him as a senior political figure and pledged to work with him.
“Wewe ndio kiongozi wetu. Wewe ndio our senior. You are our big brother. We will walk with you,” Wetang’ula recalled Khalwale as saying.
Wetang’ula further said the senator escorted him to his vehicle when the visit ended, which he cited as evidence that there had been no confrontation.
“Nikiondoka, akanishika mkono, akaniescort mpaka kwa gari. Akafungua mlango, nikaingia, akafunga,” he said.
He questioned why Khalwale would later suggest that he had been forced to leave the homestead.
“Jana kwa mazishi anasema nilienda nikafurushwa,” Wetang’ula said.
Wetang’ula acknowledged that political differences can strain relationships, saying leaders should not expect everyone to support them.
“Hiyo ndio maisha ya watu wetu. Hakuna watu wanaweza kukupenda wote,” he said.
He also invoked a Christian saying to underscore his position on political opposition.
“If God is with you, who can be against you?” Wetang’ula said.
Also Read: Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale mourns wife Gloria after sudden death
The exchange comes against a backdrop of intensified political activity in Western Kenya, with leaders positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Khalwale’s wife, Gloria Sekeiyan, died on August 15, 2026, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political leaders across the country.
Wetang’ula said during his condolence visit that he had conveyed President Ruto’s condolences and goodwill to the bereaved family.
The Speaker’s latest remarks add a new dimension to the public disagreement, with his account of the visit directly contradicting claims that he was unwelcome at Khalwale’s home.
Neither account has independently established what transpired during the private interaction beyond the statements made publicly by the two political figures.
