Boni Khalwale kicked out of Senate for claiming Uhuru, not Ruto saved 2 Kenyans abducted in Uganda

The Senate Drama Over Khalwale’s Uhuru-Ruto Claim

The Kenyan Senate was thrown into turmoil when Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who also serves as the Senate Majority Whip, was dramatically ejected from the chambers after refusing to withdraw remarks that credited retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, rather than President William Ruto, with the release of two Kenyan activists detained in Uganda.

The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, November 18, highlighted the deep political divisions within the chamber and the delicate balance between freedom of speech and adherence to parliamentary rules.

Khalwale’s remarks came during a heated debate in which he drew parallels between Kenyan nationals stranded abroad and the plight of activists Bob Njagi and Nick Oyoo, who had been abducted in Uganda.

His assertion that Uhuru Kenyatta was the one who intervened in their release immediately sparked outrage from fellow senators, particularly Samson Cherargei, who challenged the claim and demanded its withdrawal.

Speaker Amason Kingi repeatedly pressed Khalwale to either provide evidence or retract his statement, but the Majority Whip stood his ground, refusing to comply.

The refusal left the Speaker with little choice but to eject Khalwale from the chamber for the remainder of the day’s session. The move underscored the tension between political loyalty and parliamentary decorum.

On one hand, Khalwale’s insistence reflected his determination to speak his truth, but on the other, it exposed the fragility of Senate proceedings when personal convictions clash with institutional rules.

This episode is more than just a clash of personalities; it is emblematic of Kenya’s ongoing struggle to reconcile its political past with its present.

By invoking Uhuru Kenyatta’s role, Khalwale reopened old wounds in the political transition from Kenyatta to Ruto, reminding the country that the shadow of former leadership still looms large.

For Ruto’s allies, the claim was not only inaccurate but also undermined the sitting president’s authority and credibility in matters of diplomacy.

The incident also raises broader questions about the role of Parliament as a space for free expression. Should senators be allowed to air controversial claims without substantiation, or should the chamber enforce strict adherence to evidence-based debate?

Khalwale’s ejection suggests that the Senate leans toward the latter, prioritizing order over unrestrained speech. Yet, the uproar also reveals a public appetite for transparency about who truly intervenes in sensitive international matters.

Ultimately, Khalwale’s removal from the Senate is a reminder of the fragile balance between political loyalty, historical memory, and institutional discipline. It demonstrates how Kenya’s political arena remains a battleground where narratives of past and present leadership collide, often with dramatic consequences.