Political Fireworks at Kakamega during the burial of Bonnie Khalwale's wife Gloria

Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonnie Khalwale asked President William Ruto not to attend the burial of his late wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Malinya in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega County—turning the funeral into a politically charged event.

Gloria, Khalwale’s third wife, born 1981, mother of eight of his 17 children, died suddenly on August 15, 2026, after collapsing from a heart attack/cardiac arrest. 

Khalwale, a medical doctor, said he tried to resuscitate her before she was taken to Mukumu Hospital, where she died. Her body arrived home on Thursday, August 20, amid a large procession; Khalwale personally marked and cleared the grave site in line with Luhya customs, typically on the left side of the house in polygamous homesteads. The service was led by the Catholic Church.a

Political remarks

Speaking at the burial, Khalwale said Ruto had sought to attend and, via aide Farouk Kibet, requested landing coordinates for the presidential aircraft. Khalwale declined, telling mourners (in a mix of English and Swahili):

“William Ruto asked me to send coordinates ndio ndege yake itue. I told him through his PA Farouk that Mr President, when someone is bereaved, you do not ask whether they should come to offer comfort… I want the burial of my wife to be as nice as this, Mr President, don’t come to Malinya.”

He cited concerns that the President’s presence could disrupt the solemn occasion amid political tensions in the area, particularly with bullfighting enthusiasts and Khalwale is a patron of the sport. 

He alleged government allies tried (and failed) an empowerment programme involving Sh5 million for land at Murhanda Grounds in Shinyalu to win over bull owners, which he viewed as an attempt to undermine his influence. He wanted the funeral focused on mourning rather than potential confrontation.

Ruto had publicly condoled earlier with Khalwale and First Lady Rachel Ruto, describing the loss as leaving a deep void. Some senior leaders, including Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, reportedly stayed away, which Khalwale linked to political differences.

Political elements at the funeral

Attendees included Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (whom Khalwale has endorsed and described as the next president, seeking 1 million votes for him from Kakamega, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and other MPs. Sifuna contributed KSh 500,000 toward funeral costs.

Khalwale introduced his two remaining wives: Josephine Omina Khalwale, now heading family care and Diana Moragwa Khalwale, made light remarks directed at Sifuna and appealed for suitors for his daughters while noting community men were “afraid”.

He also referenced a purported study projecting a Sifuna-Kalonzo ticket defeating Ruto in 2027.

Khalwale has shifted towards opposition politics and the Linda Mwananchi movement, criticizing the government on Western Kenya development issues. 

The event mixed emotional tributes (including from family about Gloria’s role after the 2019 death of first wife Adelaide) with these political statements, drawing significant attention as “political fireworks.”