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“Resign Like Raila Did”: Omar Challenges Khalwale After Malava Loss

Secretary General Hassan Omar targets Khalwale, other dissidents after Malava by-election victory, invokes Raila’s resignation precedent

NAIROBI – The United Democratic Alliance has drawn a hard line against party members who support opposition candidates, with Secretary General Hassan Omar demanding that disloyal politicians resign their positions and challenge the ruling party in open elections.

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Speaking at a Friday media briefing following UDA’s performance in the November 27 by-elections, Omar delivered a pointed message to rebel members who have been campaigning against official party candidates while retaining their UDA positions and privileges.

“Face Us in a Contest”

The Secretary General invoked a historical precedent to make his case, referencing former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s 2007 resignation from cabinet to contest for the presidency.

“If you think you’re that popular, resign like Raila Odinga once did and face us in a contest,” Omar declared, setting down the gauntlet for members who believe they command sufficient public support to operate independently of party discipline.

Khalwale in the Crosshairs

While Omar did not limit his criticism to a single individual, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale emerged as the most prominent target of the ultimatum. The senator openly defied party leadership by campaigning for DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako against UDA’s David Ndakwa in the Malava parliamentary by-election.

Khalwale justified his position by arguing that Panyako genuinely represented the interests of Malava constituents, while Ndakwa did not. This public repudiation of the party’s official candidate represented a direct challenge to UDA’s authority in the Western Kenya region.

Despite Khalwale’s opposition, Ndakwa secured victory with 21,564 votes against Panyako’s 20,210 in a closely fought contest. IEBC returning officer Salim Abdalla declared the UDA candidate winner on the morning of November 28 at the Malava tallying center, delivering a significant boost to the party’s regional standing.

Disciplinary Action Ignored

The ruling party’s disciplinary committee had already issued formal charges against Senator Khalwale in October 2025, accusing him of disloyalty and gross misconduct. The senator dismissed these warnings and intensified his campaign activities for the opposition candidate.

Khalwale has maintained a defiant posture throughout the controversy, arguing that he is exercising his constitutional freedom of choice and challenging UDA leadership to remove him from his position as Senate majority whip.

“They are forcing me to take a stand against my community for a mere position. I cannot betray my house because of positions,” the senator stated in response to party pressure, framing the conflict as a choice between party loyalty and community representation.

Political Divorce Announced

In a development that raises the stakes considerably, Khalwale has publicly declared his intention to leave UDA, announcing plans to contest the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027 under a different political formation. This statement suggests the senator views his relationship with the ruling party as beyond repair.

The announcement transforms what might have been an internal disciplinary matter into a potential electoral threat, as Khalwale’s regional popularity could complicate UDA’s efforts to maintain influence in Western Kenya.

Victory Lap and Opposition Critique

Friday’s briefing also served as a victory celebration for UDA following its candidates’ strong performance in the by-elections. Secretary General Omar emphasized what he described as the party’s nationwide appeal, contrasting this with opposition formations that he dismissed as village parties capable of winning only scattered county assembly seats.

The comments reflect UDA’s confidence following electoral results that saw the party and its broad-based government partners secure key parliamentary and county positions across multiple regions.

Attack on Former Deputy President

Omar also used the platform to condemn former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of repeatedly threatening and attempting to intimidate independent government institutions. The Secretary General specifically cited what he characterized as efforts to pressure the IEBC and police during the by-election period.

He called on all constitutional bodies to operate according to the law without succumbing to external influence, regardless of the source. The criticism of Gachagua reflects the deepening animosity between the former DP and his erstwhile party following his impeachment.

Testing Party Discipline

The ultimatum issued by Secretary General Omar represents a critical test of UDA’s ability to enforce discipline among its members as the party transitions from insurgent opposition movement to ruling establishment. The balance between maintaining party unity and accommodating regional political dynamics will likely shape UDA’s organizational strength heading into the 2027 elections.

For members like Khalwale who have already announced their intention to leave, the question is no longer whether they will face consequences, but rather how their departures will impact UDA’s electoral prospects in their respective strongholds.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Omar’s tough talk translates into concrete action, and whether other wavering members heed the warning or follow Khalwale’s example in charting an independent political course.