Ndakwa blames Malala for violence witnessed during West Kabras by-election
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 26, 2026Malava MP David Ndakwa has accused Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala of instigating violence during the ongoing West Kabras by-elections.
Speaking after casting his vote on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the recently elected MP claimed that the former senator had resorted to unleashing goons who have been terrorising the area, leading to voter apathy due to fear among residents.
Ndakwa, who recently won the Malava parliamentary seat in a razor-thin victory against Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako, stated that the Malala-led team had terrorised the area throughout Wednesday, the night before the poll, and even on the morning of voting day.
“The voting is okay. Kuna kitu ambacho naona si mzuri. Kuna watu wa DCP wameleta violence kubwa sana. The whole of yesterday, the whole of the night, and this morning they are still unleashing terror,” Ndakwa said.
Despite the claims, Ndakwa expressed confidence in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Elphas Shalakha, stating that he is poised to win the seat. He argued that the violence by their rivals would not prevent them from securing victory, as they had mounted a robust campaign presenting their candidate as the best choice for voters.
He further claimed that DCP had not actively campaigned and had instead resorted to desperate measures by deploying goons in an attempt to sway the outcome.
“DCP has decided to bring violence into West Kabras, and it is being led by Cleophas Malala. He is unleashing terror on West Kabras locals,” he added.
West Kabras race
While other areas such as Muminji and Evurore have reported low voter turnout, Ndakwa maintained that West Kabras was experiencing a high turnout.
The West Kabras seat fell vacant after Ndakwa resigned to contest the Malava MP seat during the 2025 by-elections. The by-election has attracted three candidates: Bramuel Khaemba of DCP, Nivah Musa of DAP-K, and Elphas Shalakha of UDA, among other candidates.
The by-election Contest
Elsewhere, in Muminji and Evurore, similar incidents have been reported, with the Evurore Democratic Party candidate Albert Kiogora’s chief agent attacked. In Muminji Ward, the UDA party has fielded Peterson Njeru Weche, with Leny Kivuti’s Bus party fielding Boniface Kariuki.
Elsewhere in Evurore UDA has fielded Dancun Muratia with Justin Muturi’s led DP party fielding Albert Muchira Kiogora