A routine inspection of incomplete development projects in Kakamega County dramatically escalated on Friday, October 3, when a heated exchange between Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Finance, Benjamin Andama, nearly turned into a physical fight.

The altercation occurred during a site visit by the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations to inspect stalled development projects.

A video of the incident has since gone viral, showing the veteran politician confronting Andama about the stalled hospital project, arguing that residents had died due to the lack of proper healthcare.

The tension peaked when Senator Khalwale vowed to ensure the official’s arrest.

“I’m telling you in my lifetime, and get this straight, we will get you people arrested so that you pay for the lives of the people who have died since this hospital collapsed. I am very serious, Andama. I am very serious, by the way, and I’m very objective, listen, listen, I’m very serious….these are the fellows who are eating the money,” Khalwale was heard stating.

When Andama attempted to interject and ask the legislator to be objective, Khalwale reacted swiftly, physically moving towards the CEC.

Fellow senators, including Senator Catherine Mumma and Committee Chairperson Senator Mohamed Abass, immediately stepped in to restrain Khalwale, who was seen being pulled away while continuing to advance and even smacking Andama in the chest.

The intervention of the other senators was necessary to prevent the confrontation from escalating into a full-blown physical brawl.