Embu County – Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has issued a strong-worded response to Governor Cecily Mbarire over her recent claims of being undermined by senior government officials, saying the political fallout within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is self-inflicted.
Photo: Governor Cecily Mbarire addressing UDA supporters in Embu. (Photo/The Star)
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Senator Khalwale Speaks Out on UDA Appointments
In a statement released on Monday, June 2, Khalwale accused the ruling party of alienating its founding members by making abrupt leadership changes. He directly linked the ongoing wrangles to decisions such as Mbarire’s appointment as UDA’s National Chairperson and the selection of Cleophas Malala as Secretary General.
“Out of the blue, Governor Cecily Mbarire was elevated to National Chairperson, and Malala, from the ANC Party, was made Secretary General of UDA. These moves pushed out original members like Senator Muthama and myself,” said Khalwale. “Now, UDA is in disarray. Governor Mbarire, that’s how politics works. Don’t cry, just move on.”
Mbarire Fires Back at Alleged Government Sabotage
On Sunday, June 1, while speaking in Embu during Madaraka Day events, Mbarire, who also serves as UDA National Chairperson, decried what she termed as an orchestrated plan to undermine her leadership. She claimed unnamed government officials were holding secret meetings in Embu aimed at destabilizing her administration.
“Some Nairobi-based government officials have been coming to Embu at night to hold political meetings meant to sabotage me. I have given my all in support of President William Ruto’s government, yet I’m now being targeted by insiders,” Mbarire said.
Governor Threatens to Name Saboteurs
Mbarire warned that she would expose the individuals behind the alleged political sabotage if the trend continued. “I will mention their names. I’ve been in politics too long to be intimidated,” she declared, adding that the people of Embu deserve respect from all public officers.
“We will not allow political wars from Nairobi to be imported to Embu. I was elected by the people and demand the respect that comes with that mandate. Don’t take our support for President Ruto for granted,” she added.
Cracks Widening in the Ruling Party?
The public exchange between Mbarire and Khalwale has once again exposed growing divisions within UDA. Political analysts have noted that such rifts could hurt the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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