Speaking in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, during a condolence visit to Senator Boni Khalwale’s family following the death of his wife, Mama Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, Wetang’ula urged politicians and young people to maintain peace and pursue issue-based campaigns.
“I plead again with our young people, and indeed even with us as politicians, to endeavor to remain peaceful because, away from politics, we are all brothers and sisters. Politics must never divide us,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker’s remarks come amid rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 elections and growing concerns over the alleged use of hired groups to disrupt political meetings and intimidate political opponents.
Wetang’ula warned that the emerging culture of political goonism posed a threat not only to security but also to fundamental political freedoms, including the right to campaign, associate and participate in credible elections.
He challenged political leaders to compete through ideas, policies and development records instead of mobilising violence against their rivals.
The warning was echoed by other leaders who called on residents of Ikolomani to maintain peace during the burial of Mama Gloria regardless of the political affiliations of leaders attending the ceremony.
Ikolomani MP Innocent Mugabe urged residents to give all visiting leaders a peaceful audience, describing the people of the area as peace-loving Kenyans.
“As Ikolomani people, we are peace-loving Kenyans, and I ask that we demonstrate the same tomorrow during the final send-off,” Mugabe said.
Kakamega County MP Elsie Muhanda said Mama Gloria was known for being accommodative and hospitable and would have expected the same spirit during her final send-off.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also called for political tolerance, warning politicians and their supporters against turning political differences into personal conflicts.
Cherargei described Khalwale as one of the Senate’s strong debaters and urged political leaders to maintain peace as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
Wetang’ula also conveyed President William Ruto’s condolences to the Khalwale family.
