Khalwale Demands Ruto Abandon Mt. Kenya for Western.
Mt. Kenya is facing a political onslaught as Boni Khalwale, the “Bullfighter,” made a bold declaration. He insisted that all development projects in the region should be redirected to Western Kenya. According to him, Mt. Kenya has enjoyed political dominance for an extended period, making it well-developed. This statement was directed at President William Ruto during the funeral of the late Malulu Injendi.
Khalwale’s remarks are expected to have significant political repercussions, and Ruto might regret them. The potential fallout from his statement could redefine Mt. Kenya’s political trajectory. Khalwale also assured the president of reelection, arguing that Kenya’s political culture since 1992 has seen every president serve two terms. He confidently told Ruto that he would be reelected in 2027, asserting that history was on his side.
Khalwale acknowledged that securing a second term would not be easy for Ruto, stating that he would need resilient individuals to back him up. The key question remains: will Kenyans reelect Ruto in 2027, or will he become a one-term president? While that discussion warrants a separate analysis, the immediate concern is the attack on Mt. Kenya’s political standing.
Historically, Mt. Kenya has rallied to protect its interests. In 2007, the community united behind Mwai Kibaki, fearing a loss of political power. Kibaki even took an oath at night to safeguard his position. He later ensured that Uhuru Kenyatta succeeded him, maintaining the region’s hold on power.
However, in 2022, Uhuru had no choice but to hand over leadership to William Ruto. It was anticipated that Ruto would collaborate with the Mt. Kenya region and eventually return power to them. However, signs indicate this may not happen. Consequently, the region is now aligning itself to secure its interests, making Khalwale’s statement particularly significant.
Khalwale’s Argument for Western Kenya’s Development
Khalwale argued that Kenya’s development model has been skewed in favor of Mt. Kenya for over 60 years. He urged Ruto to shift the development agenda towards Western Kenya to boost economic growth. According to him, this would not be a political move but an economic necessity. His statement, however, could influence the politics of Mt. Kenya moving forward, potentially driving the region further away from Ruto.
The remarks were made at a time when dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza government is growing. During the funeral, the senator for Kakamega was even heckled by locals before he could speak—a clear sign of political discontent. William Ruto, on his part, attempted to defend his government’s policies but failed to address pressing concerns, instead blaming unnamed brokers. The recent revelations by the Controller of Budget exposing financial mismanagement further complicated the situation.
Khalwale’s assertion that development funds should be redirected from Mt. Kenya to Western Kenya will likely push the region to consolidate its political power. Despite having past presidents from their region, Mt. Kenya still faces numerous developmental challenges. Even during Daniel Moi’s 24-year presidency, some schools in the Rift Valley lacked basic infrastructure. This reality contradicts Khalwale’s claim that Mt. Kenya is already sufficiently developed.
Furthermore, there are growing concerns about Ruto’s strategy, which some perceive as an attempt to pit 41 tribes against one. If Mt. Kenya feels isolated politically, it may choose to unite behind a single candidate and party. The region’s numerical strength makes it a formidable force in elections, and any attempt to marginalize it could backfire. Historically, Kenya has been ruled by two dominant ethnic groups—the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin. The idea that Ruto should prioritize Western Kenya over Mt. Kenya could reinforce the perception that he is trying to undermine the region politically.
Khalwale’s remarks advocate for a patronage-based political system, where development is allocated based on political loyalty. However, Kenya’s Constitution aims to distribute resources equitably across all regions. Rather than urging Ruto to divert funds to Western Kenya, Khalwale should focus on advocating for increased allocations to counties through the Senate. Governors should also be held accountable for managing county funds efficiently before seeking national-level interventions.
Despite receiving billions annually, some counties still struggle to provide basic services. For instance, a recent appeal in Northern Kenya requested financial contributions to address water shortages, despite the region receiving substantial government funding. Khalwale should prioritize strengthening county governments instead of pushing for regional favoritism at the national level.
A Divisive Narrative That Could Backfire
Ultimately, Khalwale’s remarks could complicate matters for Ruto’s allies within Mt. Kenya, such as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. These leaders must now explain to their constituents why development funds meant for their region should be diverted elsewhere. This statement risks alienating Mt. Kenya voters, making Ruto’s reelection bid even more challenging.
Despite tribal affiliations, Kenyans share common economic struggles. Many younger generations, having grown up in urban areas, are less influenced by tribal politics. Khalwale’s divisive rhetoric might not resonate with this demographic. Instead, all Kenyans, regardless of region, should hold the president accountable for fulfilling national development goals.
Conclusion
Khalwale’s controversial statement could have far-reaching consequences. If Mt. Kenya perceives Ruto as sidelining their interests, they may rally behind an alternative candidate in 2027. The politics of patronage should be abandoned in favor of equitable development. All Kenyans pay taxes, and government projects should be distributed fairly. Whether this statement strengthens or weakens Ruto’s position remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Mt. Kenya’s political direction is at a turning point.
Khalwale Demands Ruto Abandon Mt. Kenya for Western.
