A video of former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale appearing to campaign for Orange Democratic Candidate in the Kakamega gubernatorial race has gone viral.
The video captures the former lawmaker telling voters to unite even if former Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) boss Fernandes Barasa clinches the seat.
Alluding to different Luhya sub-groups, Khalwale noted that electing Fernandes would bring representation of the Wanga community at the helm of power in Kakamega. He thus appealed to the voters in a rally to vote for him to represent the other communities.
"For now that man called Fernandes Barasa is seeking the Kakamega gubernatorial seat through Azimio. But if luck befalls him he will become the governor of Kakamega. We want to unite our people through leadership," the video clip captures Khalwale addressing the rally.
He added," I will return here and that honour that has been bestowed to the Abawanga house in the gubernatorial seat the other senatorial seat should be given to me," the vocal leader went on to tell the crowd.
However, efforts by Kenyans.co.ke to reach out to Khalwale for a response regarding the video clip were futile.
The former Ikolomani Member of Parliament dropped his gubernatorial bid to succeed the incumbent, Wycliffe Oparanya in favour of senator Cleophas Malala of ANC party. This was after Kenya Kwanza co-principals Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President William Ruto brokered a deal.
"I have not stepped down but rather up, so that I can focus more on the common agenda that covers our people and the rest of Kenyans," Khalwale stated.
To appeal to the voters and residents of Kakamega county, Khalwale together with Malala organised a series of rallies in Lugari and Likuyani Constituencies on Tuesday, April 5.
Accompanied by other leaders and aspirants from the region, Khalwale insisted on the need for the Luhya unity and rally behind the Deputy President in the August 9 General Election.
In a bid to wrestle the region from ODM leader Raila Odinga who enjoys huge following, Ruto joined forces with Mudavadi and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula, who have been tasked with delivering the Mulembe vote.
