On 22 November 2018, Kakamega businessman Cleophas Shimanyula, better known as Toto, said he would do whatever he could to stop Boni Khalwale from becoming the county’s next governor.
Speaking in a radio interview, Shimanyula said he was prepared to go as far as selling half of his assets to frustrate Khalwale’s political plans. He described the former Kakamega senator as desperate and broke, escalating a public feud that has now spilled into the 2022 succession race.
Shimanyula also claimed he had the financial muscle to support Khalwale if he wanted to. “He could humbly borrow from me 10 cars and about Sh200 million to fund his campaign but chose abuses. He fights me because I don’t support him. I will show my true colours in 2022,” said Shimanyula.
The businessman, who has interests in transport and real estate, is widely known for his close ties to Governor Wycliffe Oparanya. He is also the main financier of Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz.
Oparanya defeated Khalwale in the 2017 elections and was serving his final term after completing the mandatory two five-year terms. Khalwale was seen as one of the leading contenders for the governorship, but he was also expected to face a tough challenge from Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
