Bonny Khalwale shelves gubernatorial bid

Former Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale has dropped his bid for the county's top seat in favor of his rival Cleophas Malala after intervention by Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders.

 Dr Khalwale who was to fly the United Democratic Alliance flag in the race will now contest for the senatorial seat.

The fight between Senator Cleophas Malala and Dr Khalwale for the Kakamega governor’s seat, was threatening to split the alliance in the region.

The two leaders were on Wednesday afternoon, hosted by the Deputy President William Ruto, and his Kenya Kwanza principals Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula.

Speaking while confirming the deal  Deputy President William Ruto stated that the team had to formulate a formidable team that would deliver the two seats to Kenya Kwanza.

 "We realised that for us to win the seat, these two leaders have on their own motion engaged in discussions and escalated their negotiations to us. We listened and agreed with them. Whatever they agreed on will have the endorsement of the Kenya Kwanza team. I want to announce that for Kakamega, Khalwale has graciously accepted to vie for the senator seat and ceded ground for Malala to contest for the governor's seat," said Ruto. 

This was to be Khalwale's second attempt for the governor's seat having lost to incumbent Wycliffe Oparanya in the 2017 general elections.