Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has addressed the dramatic confrontation in which he appeared to fight for a microphone with his political rival, Boni Khalwale, during a Linda Mwananchi rally.
Speaking during an interview on NTV, Malala was asked why he had been involved in a tussle over the microphone with Khalwale during the rally.
Malala responded by describing Khalwale as his “political father” while making it clear that he now believes the vocal senator, who has expressed his interest in the Kakamega gubernatorial seat, should give way to the next generation of leaders.
“Boni Khalwale is my political father. When I was in Class Two, Khalwale was already in politics,” Malala said.
He went on to praise Khalwale for his contribution to politics but challenged him to step aside and give him his blessings.
“Khalwale, you’ve done your work well, rest now and give me your blessings. If you refuse, I’ll bring you down,” Malala said.
The remarks come after a tense moment during the Linda Mwananchi rally last weekend, where Malala and Khalwale were seen competing for control of the microphone.
The two leaders have expressed interest in the Kakamega gubernatorial seat, setting the stage for a possible political battle ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Malala has been urging Khalwale to drop his gubernatorial bid and support him, arguing that it is time for the seasoned politician to make way for a new generation of leaders.
However, Khalwale has remained defiant and continues to insist that he will be on the ballot, setting the stage for an increasingly heated political contest in Kakamega.
