Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has revealed that he personally asked President William Ruto not to attend the burial of his late wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, saying he wanted to prevent politics from overshadowing the funeral. Speaking during the burial ceremony at Malinya in Ikolomani Constituency on Friday, August 21, 2026, Khalwale said he made the request to the President because he feared Ruto’s presence could create room for political realignments and speeches at a time when the family wanted to focus on mourning and laying Gloria to rest.

According to reports, Khalwale said he did not want the funeral to become a political platform, particularly given the heightened political activity surrounding the 2027 General Election. The senator’s decision came despite President Ruto having publicly sent condolences to the family following Gloria’s death. Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto expressed their sympathy to Khalwale and his family after the senator announced that his wife had died suddenly on August 15.

Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale was laid to rest at the family’s home in Malinya, Ikolomani, after she died on August 15. Khalwale had announced her death, saying she had suddenly collapsed and died following a heart attack. She was the mother of eight children. The funeral attracted political leaders from across the country, despite the President’s absence. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula visited the Khalwale family before the burial and conveyed condolences on behalf of Parliament. He also prayed for the late Gloria and the bereaved family. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also attended the burial ceremony alongside other political figures, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Khalwale’s explanation highlights the tension that can arise when high-profile political figures attend funerals, particularly at a time of heightened political competition. The senator indicated that his priority was to ensure Gloria’s final send-off remained centred on her life, family and friends rather than becoming an occasion for political speeches or positioning. The decision was notable because Ruto had maintained a relationship with Khalwale and had publicly mourned Gloria following her death. In his condolence message, the President said he and Rachel stood with the Khalwale family during the period of grief and prayed for strength and comfort.

Khalwale’s disclosure therefore provides an explanation for Ruto’s absence from the burial, while also underscoring his desire to keep the ceremony away from political contestation. The burial took place as Kenya’s political parties and leaders increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, making the presence of senior political figures at public events particularly sensitive. For Khalwale, however, the immediate priority was to give his late wife a family-centred send-off without allowing political interests to dominate the proceedings.