Why I Armed Myself with Stones - Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale

Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has come out to explain an incident where he was filmed carrying stones during Kibra by-election last Thursday.

Khalwale, who was among the chief campaigners of Jubilee party candidate in the by-election McDonald Mariga, said he had to defend himself against armed goons who confronted and attacked him.

Speaking in his Ikolomani backyard on Sunday, Khalwale claimed the hooligans linked to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, specifically targeted MPs from Western Kenya.

“They (goons) surrounded me. I weighed them up and saw they were grown-up men like me. I decided to solve this thing man to man,” he explained.

“My situation was like that of Daniel in the Bible who suddenly found himself surrounded by lions. I stood my ground and handled them man to man. Am I not a man?” 

“I was with Didmus Baraza (Kimilili), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), and Malulu Injendi (Malava). Baraza was stoned and lost his spectacles and hat. Washiali was forced to flee. Malulu was injured and rushed to the hospital. I had to stand tall and defend Mariga,” added Khalwale, who came under sharp criticism from Kenyans online for arming himself with stones.

ODM’s Bernard Imran Okoth was announced the winner of the by-election after garnering 24,636 votes ahead of Mariga who got 11,230 votes.

Khalwale defected to Jubilee party from Ford Kenya on May 17th, 2019 during a meeting with Deputy President William Ruto.