Politics in Kenya is never short of drama, and this week Kakamega County found itself at the center of a storm after a fiery confrontation between Senator Boni Khalwale and the county’s Finance Executive Committee Member (CEC), Benjamin Andama. What was supposed to be a routine Senate inspection visit quickly turned into a spectacle of political tempers, sharp accusations, and even physical altercations, as senators toured stalled development projects in the county.
Senator Khalwale, who has consistently positioned himself as a vocal watchdog of public accountability, did not mince his words during the inspection. While assessing the county’s progress, he accused the county government of gross neglect, pointing out stalled projects that have left residents frustrated and underserved. Among the projects in question was the much-anticipated hospital facility that remains incomplete despite significant allocations of public funds.
According to Khalwale, the state of the hospital is a betrayal to the people of Kakamega, who continue to face limited access to essential healthcare. His frustration boiled over as he accused CEC Benjamin Andama of mismanaging funds meant for the project. In a dramatic twist, the senator vowed to have Andama arrested, declaring that financial mismanagement in the county would not go unpunished.
What shocked many observers, however, was how quickly the war of words escalated. Tempers flared, and at one point, Senator Khalwale reportedly smacked the finance CEC in a fit of anger. The situation could have deteriorated further were it not for the swift intervention of fellow senators Catherine Mumma and Mohamed Abass, who stepped in to restrain Khalwale and de-escalate the confrontation.
The incident laid bare not only the growing tensions between the senator and the county executive but also the deep frustrations over stalled development projects that remain a sore point for many residents.
The incident has ignited conversations across Kakamega and the country at large. While some residents and observers sympathize with Khalwale’s outrage over the poor state of development, others have questioned whether resorting to physical confrontation was appropriate for a national leader.
At the heart of the matter lies the stalled hospital project, which has become symbolic of the broader challenges in county-level governance — stalled infrastructure, unaccounted funds, and unmet public expectations. For the people of Kakamega, the demand is simple: they want projects completed and resources managed responsibly.
Beyond the local politics, this clash also speaks to a wider national issue. County governments, since the advent of devolution, have been tasked with managing billions in public funds. Yet, allegations of mismanagement and delayed projects remain rampant. Senators, whose constitutional role includes oversight of county governments, often find themselves at odds with governors and county executives.
For Senator Khalwale, this clash may bolster his image as a no-nonsense leader unafraid to take on powerful figures, but it also risks painting him as a hot-headed politician prone to theatrics. For Governor Fernandes Barasa’s administration, the spotlight on Kakamega could intensify pressure to deliver on promises and complete projects that have been dragging for too long.
The Kakamega showdown between Senator Boni Khalwale and Finance CEC Benjamin Andama has left the county buzzing with mixed reactions. On one hand, it underscores the urgent need for accountability in county governance; on the other, it raises questions about how leaders should conduct themselves in moments of conflict.
What remains clear is that the people of Kakamega deserve better. They deserve hospitals that function, projects that are completed on time, and leaders who prioritize service over squabbles. Whether Khalwale’s dramatic intervention will trigger real accountability or simply remain another chapter in Kenya’s long book of political drama is yet to be seen.