Boni Khalwale Tells Governor Cecily Mbarire: “Don’t Cry, You’re Not Alone”
In a candid and straightforward response, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has addressed the concerns raised by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who recently claimed she was being undermined by senior government officials. The governor’s remarks sparked conversations around internal friction within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, of which both leaders are members.
Senator Khalwale, never one to shy away from controversy, advised Governor Mbarire not to dwell on her frustrations or seek public sympathy. According to him, political setbacks and internal resistance are not new phenomena in the UDA or in any major political movement. He emphasized that the challenges she is experiencing are part and parcel of the complex landscape of leadership and power dynamics.
“Crying won’t solve anything,” Khalwale said, urging Mbarire to toughen up. “You are not the first, and certainly not the last, to face opposition from within. This is not unique to you it’s the nature of politics.”
Governor Mbarire had earlier voiced her dissatisfaction over what she described as coordinated efforts by influential figures in government to frustrate her administration. Without naming names, she hinted at deliberate moves to sideline her and weaken her authority, both within her county and in broader political circles.
However, Khalwale dismissed the need for public lamentation, stating that many politicians himself included have had to contend with similar challenges without airing grievances in the public domain. He noted that the ability to persevere and stay focused on one’s goals is what separates effective leaders from those easily swayed or discouraged.
“Political leadership comes with battles. What matters is how you respond,” Khalwale said. “These hurdles are not signs of defeat they are tests of character.”
His remarks reflect a wider sentiment within the UDA party, where internal competition and political maneuvering are becoming increasingly visible as the 2027 general elections approach. While Governor Mbarire’s claims have drawn sympathy from some quarters, others like Khalwale believe that resilience and strategic engagement are more valuable than public complaints.
Khalwale’s message may have been blunt, but it carried a key lesson: in politics, especially at the highest levels, strength, patience, and tactical thinking are vital. Leaders must be prepared to face opposition, not just from rival parties but from within their own ranks.
As tensions simmer beneath the surface of the ruling coalition, Khalwale’s comments serve as both a reality check and a call for internal fortitude a reminder that leadership demands grit as much as it does vision.
