The political landscape in the Kenyan Senate witnessed a significant shake-up as Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale was removed from his position as the Senate Majority Whip.
The ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition swiftly replaced him with Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli.
This change was formally communicated to the House by Speaker Amason Kingi on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
This high-profile ouster is widely viewed as a direct consequence of Khalwale’s defiance of party lines during recent by-elections.
Why Khalwale Was Removed: The Malava By-election Fallout
The primary catalyst for Khalwale’s removal stems from his political activities during the Malava Constituency by-election on November 27, 2025.
Khalwale, a prominent member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), openly campaigned for Seth Panyako.
Who was a candidate from the opposition-leaning Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K).
Instead of supporting UDA’s official candidate, David Ndakwa, who ultimately won the seat.
Khalwale’s move was seen as a blatant act of indiscipline and a violation of the party’s expectations.
Especially for a senator holding a key leadership post responsible for enforcing party discipline.
His actions also coincided with the launch of his new party, the United Patriotic Front (UPF).
Additionally, he indicated it would be his vehicle for the 2027 Kakamega gubernatorial race.
Therefore, suggesting a possible shift in his political allegiance and a strained relationship with the UDA’s national leadership.
The decision to remove him was procedural, following a resolution by a meeting of the Kenya Kwanza Majority Party senators.
In addition to the minutes of which were presented to the Senate Speaker.
The New Majority Whip: Senator David Wafula Wakoli
Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli has officially taken over the influential role of Senate Majority Whip.
As the new Whip, Senator Wakoli, who hails from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford-Kenya party (a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition), will undertake crucial responsibilities.
He will be tasked with ensuring the efficient flow and passage of government legislation and motions in the Senate.
Therefore, effectively mobilising government business.
His role also involves maintaining unity and discipline among senators belonging to the Majority Party coalition, thus enforcing party discipline.
His appointment is a significant elevation for the Ford-Kenya party within the coalition’s Senate leadership structure.
The Implications of the Shake-Up
This change in the Senate leadership is a clear demonstration that the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, led by UDA, is committed to cracking the whip on members who exhibit disloyalty or campaign against the party’s official nominees.
It sends a strong message that party discipline will be strictly enforced, particularly in the run-up to future electoral contests.
Khalwale’s reaction, a cryptic “A day in politics…”, hints at the volatile nature of coalition dynamics.
The purge may be far from over, as other senators who campaigned against the coalition’s candidates in the recent mini-polls could also face disciplinary action, including removal from key committees.
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