Former Kakamega Senator, Boni Khalwale, has confronted Kakamega Members of the County Assembly asking him to account for Ksh1 million donated by Deputy President, William Samoei Ruto.
The local leaders, led by Isukha Ward MCA, Farouk Machanje, claimed that they were yet to receive a single cent donated by the DP, indirectly accusing the former Senator of failing to deliver the money to them.The money was meant to support youth and women who engage in small businesses in the area.
In a rejoinder, Khalwale termed the allegations as malicious and unfounded, saying that they were aimed at soiling his otherwise good reputation.
The outspoken politician added that he was not involved in the distribution, pointing a finger at Machanje's alleged rival, Maggie Mmuka.
"The MCA wants to blame me (instead of his perennial rival Maggie Mmuka) for the public humiliation he received under the eyes of WSR (William Samoei Ruto) when he was shouted off the podium at Khayega," Khalwale stated.
He concluded by saying that Machanje should direct his political arsenal at his rivals.
"Meanwhile, we assure him of free and fair nominations for the UDA ticket and should he bag it, I will aggressively campaign for him to be elected," he concluded.
In a press conference on Thursday, Machanje alleged that Khalwale had a hand in the disappearance of the money and asked DP Ruto to get someone different to vie for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat on the UDA ticket.
This, they said, is because Khalwale is not someone that can lead the UDA team from Kakamega, but simply a political broker.
"I am asking my friend DP, kindly look for someone else and work with him for the Kakamega County gubernatorial race. Khalwale is a no. He is a political broker," Machanje remarked.
The press conference ended prematurely after an altercation ensued with police being forced to intervene and disperse the colliding youth groups.
