The senator said Matiangi convinced him that if elected President, he would run the government with “brutal efficiency,” a style that Khalwale said resonated with his vision for the country.
Khalwale made the disclosure on Sunday, November 23, 2025, during a political rally in Ekerenyo, Nyamira County. He was there campaigning alongside Matiangi and other opposition leaders for the united opposition candidate in the Nyasiongo Ward by-election.
The senator, who won his Kakamega seat under the UDA banner, described a four-hour meeting he had with Matiangi when the latter announced his presidential bid.
“Matiangi, you convinced me when you said that as President, you would apply ‘brutal government efficiency,’” Khalwale said, explaining why he decided to leave Ruto’s camp.
During the meeting, Khalwale expressed concerns over Ruto’s promise to make Kenya a first-world country, claiming that the plan would fail because of corruption in government.
He argued that strong, disciplined leadership is necessary to change the country’s trajectory.
Since then, Khalwale has been actively campaigning for opposition candidates in the ongoing by-elections, stepping away from UDA candidates. He has openly supported Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako in the Malava parliamentary by-election, while criticizing UDA candidate David Ndakwa.
His shift has drawn criticism from Kenya Kwanza leaders, who accuse him of disloyalty to the United Democratic Alliance. In October, UDA wrote to Khalwale seeking a show-cause letter explaining why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for backing an opposition candidate in Malava.
At the Ekerenyo rally, Khalwale encouraged voters to consider the promises of opposition leaders and emphasized that unity and accountability must guide leadership choices. He said he believes Matiangi’s approach can deliver results where others have failed.
Observers say Khalwale’s defection to Matiangi strengthens the opposition in areas like Nyamira and Malava, where local races have been closely contested. His influence in Kakamega County is seen as a key factor that could sway voters in upcoming by-elections.
Despite criticism, Khalwale insists that his decision is not about politics alone but about promoting competent leadership. “My priority is the country, not party loyalty. If a leader can deliver change efficiently, that is who I support,” he stated.
Political analysts note that Khalwale’s move highlights growing dissatisfaction among some leaders in UDA, who question the party’s ability to implement its promises effectively. It also signals a shift in the political landscape, as opposition figures consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Khalwale continues to campaign vigorously across the country, promoting opposition candidates and encouraging voters to focus on leadership quality rather than party labels.
His decision to leave UDA and join Matiangi’s camp reflects a broader debate about governance, accountability, and the kind of leadership Kenyans want moving forward.