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, at Malinya in Kakamega County.
Speaking during Gloria’s burial ceremony at Malinya Stadium on Friday, August 21, Khalwale disclosed details of a conversation involving the President and explained why Ruto was absent from the emotional ceremony.
According to Khalwale, Ruto had reached out to him and sought details on where his aircraft could land ahead of the burial. However, the senator said he made it clear that he did not want the Head of State to attend the ceremony.
Khalwale said he communicated his decision through Ruto’s personal assistant, Farouk Kibet.
“William Ruto asked me to send coordinates for his plane to land. I told him through his PA, Farouk Kibet, that when someone is bereaved, you do not need to ask them to send you landing coordinates,” Khalwale said.
The senator explained that he wanted Gloria’s burial to remain primarily a family occasion as relatives and close friends gathered to bid farewell to the mother of eight of his children.
His remarks offered a different perspective on Ruto’s absence, coming days after the President publicly condoled with Khalwale following Gloria’s sudden death.
Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto had earlier sent their condolences to the senator, saying they stood with the Khalwale family during the difficult period.
Gloria died suddenly on August 15, 2026, after reportedly suffering a heart attack. Her death triggered messages of condolence from leaders across Kenya’s political divide.
Friday’s burial brought together family members, political leaders, friends and supporters at Malinya. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was among the leaders who attended the ceremony, accompanied by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and other Linda Mwananchi allies.
Khalwale’s revelation added a political dimension to an otherwise emotional farewell, clarifying that Ruto’s absence was not necessarily a sign of strained relations but followed a personal request from the bereaved senator.
The late Gloria was laid to rest at the Khalwale family home in Malinya, Ikolomani Constituency, after the burial service.