Tension flared in Kakamega as Senator Boni Khalwale stormed into a confrontation with Benjamin Andama, Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Finance. Senator Boni Khalwale continues his confrontation with Benjamin Andama. The incident unfolded on Friday, October 3, during a Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations inspection of stalled development projects. In a video that has since gone viral, the veteran politician speaks to Andama as he outlined how Kakamega residents had died due to a lack of proper healthcare. Khalwale promised the official that he would ensure he’s arrested and faces the law for his part in the stalled hospital project.
The pledge had Andama interjecting, asking the legislator to be objective, and before he could finish the statement, Khalwale jumped on his face. “I’m telling you in my lifetime, and get this straight, we will get you people arrested so that you pay for the lives of the people who have died since this hospital collapsed. I am very serious, Andama. I am very serious, by the way, and I’m very objective, listen, listen, I’m very serious….these are the fellows who are eating the money,” Khalwale stated as he was being pulled away. Fellow senators stepped in and physically restrained Khalwale as he continued to move toward the CEC, smacking him in the chest. Senator Catherine Mumma tried to separate the fight even as Senator Mohamed Abass, the committee chairperson, stepped in to save the situation.
“I’ll not allow that,” Abbas stated as Senator Richard Onyonka restrained Khalwale from attacking the county official. The senator was pulled away as he continued to express his frustration with Governor Fernandes Barasa’s administration. He alleged that most projects remained incomplete under Barasa since the county had not paid contractors their dues. “Listen, chairman, chairman, we are in the financial year 24/25, these fools have not paid a single contractor. How can such a fool address me,” Khalwale stated. The delegation inspected Shamakhubu Level 4 Hospital in Shinyalu, Kakamega Referral Hospital in Lurambi, the Butali–Chegulo Road, and the long-delayed Bukhungu Stadium What is Khalwale’s pledge to Kakamega? In a statement on social media following the incident, Khalwale vowed to keep the Kakamega County Government on its toes.
The lawmaker stated that Kakamega residents deserve accountability and transparency, adding that he’ll ensure the projects are completed. “It is disheartening to see the level of embezzlement and misuse of taxpayers’ money in projects that should already be serving our people. As the Senator for Kakamega, I pledge to put Governor Fernandes Barasa and the County Government to task until these projects are completed and delivered to the people,” Khalwale promised.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
