Opposition counters Ruto’s foray in Malava ahead of by-elections
By Kiprono Keileb, October 31, 2025Malava has turned into the latest political battlefield as President William Ruto and Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa lead rival camps in campaigns ahead of the upcoming parliamentary by-election.
President Ruto was in Malava on Thursday, October 31, 2025, where he threw his weight behind UDA candidate David Ndakwa, describing him as the right man to continue the legacy of the late MP Malulu Injendi.
“The late Malulu Injendi was more than a leader; he was a man of integrity, a visionary, and a progressive force whose devotion transformed lives in Malava Constituency,” the President said.
Ruto told residents that Ndakwa represents continuity of Injendi’s work and urged them to vote overwhelmingly for him.
“In David Ndakwa, we see the torchbearer of that vision: a steadfast leader capable of delivering and completing the development projects that Mheshimiwa Injendi so passionately began,” he said.
The President used the visit to launch the construction of the 22-kilometre Malava–Samitsi–Navakholo road in Kakamega County. “The project would unlock the region’s vast agricultural potential, ease the movement of produce such as sugarcane to factories, stimulate enterprise, and accelerate inclusive economic growth,” he stated
But while the Head of State presented his visit as a development mission, the Opposition saw it as a campaign disguised as government work.
Wamalwa leads the United Opposition to secure the vote
Eugene Wamalwa, who leads the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), was in the same constituency on Friday, October 31, 2025, with other opposition leaders, including Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya, rallying support for the united opposition candidate Seth Panyako.
In a passionate message to supporters, Wamalwa said the opposition was united under a common vision of Luhya unity and dignity.
“What a joyous day in the House of Mulembe as the journey to Luhya Unity and Dignity begins in Malava, where the combined DAP-Kenya and DCP-Democracy forces hit the campaign trail to an electrifying reception for the joint United Opposition Candidate Seth Panyako,” he said.
He thanked leaders who joined him in the campaign, including Boni Khalwale, Cleophas Malala, and Peter Salasya, saying their unity symbolised a shared belief in the region’s future.
“Thank you, my brothers Khalwale, Cleophas Malala, and Salasya, for your leadership and commitment to this noble cause!” he added.
As both camps intensify campaigns, the Malava race is shaping into a fierce contest, one that could test the strength of the ruling coalition and the unity of the Luhya opposition bloc.