Khalwale, Other MPs Face Parliamentary Shake-Up Over By-Election Defiance

A disciplinary shake-up is expected in Parliament today, with several lawmakers facing the loss of key leadership roles for backing rival candidates in recent by-elections.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said the process would begin on Tuesday, 2 December, targeting members accused of disregarding party positions during the campaigns. Among those set for removal is Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who is expected to lose his post as Senate Majority Whip. 

Khalwale, a UDA legislator, openly campaigned for Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) in the Malava by-election, defying his party’s nominated candidate. Khalwale joined opposition figures including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa in supporting Panyako ahead of the 27 November vote. 

Panyako narrowly lost to UDA’s David Ndakwa, who secured 21,564 votes against Panyako’s 20,210. Cherargei defended the planned changes as necessary to uphold party discipline, saying that both UDA and ODM members who supported opposing candidates would be removed from committee leadership and other parliamentary positions. 

He said that loyalty to party decisions remains essential. The actions come despite UDA and ODM winning the majority of the by-elections. UDA claimed seats in Mbeere North, Malava and Banisa, while ODM won in Kasipul, Magarini and Ugunja. The results have been viewed as strengthening President William Ruto’s political position ahead of the 2027 general election.