Boni Khalwale’s Daughter Greets Edwin Sifuna at Gloria Khalwale’s Burial in Kakamega

During the funeral of Gloria Khalwale, wife of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, a notable political moment unfolded alongside the mourning at their family home in Malinya, Kakamega County.

The senator, who has declared his intention to run for governor in the 2027 elections, publicly endorsed Edwin Sifuna, leader of the Linda Mwananchi faction of ODM, praising Sifuna’s financial support to the family following Gloria’s passing.

Political Gesture Amid Grief

As attendees paid their respects, Khalwale’s daughter, Maura, spotted Sifuna and promptly approached him for a greeting. This interaction was highlighted by Khalwale during his speech, which combined elements of grief, faith, and political advocacy.

“Maura, run, run, Maura. These things that you Luhyas are seeing, it is God who is speaking,” Khalwale said, adding that Sifuna’s mother had unknowingly blessed his political journey.

Blending Mourning with Political Messaging

Addressing potential discomfort over the political tone of the funeral, Khalwale justified his remarks by referencing his late wife’s legacy and the need for greater political representation for the Luhya community.

• “Let everything become so that the young people can take over from my generation,” he stated.
• “When other communities eat, we also have to eat. Do not feel bad that I am politicising my wife’s burial. It is because my wife has cooked for two presidents, and today she will cook for the third president, Edwin Sifuna.”

This funeral thus served not only as a farewell but also as a platform for Khalwale to consolidate political support within western Kenya’s Luhya community ahead of the upcoming elections.