President William Ruto has endorsed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa in the upcoming Malava Constituency parliamentary by-election, slated for November 27, 2025.

During a rally in Kakamega County, Ruto also launched the 22-kilometer Malava–Samitsi–Navakholo road project, using the event to pay tribute to the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi while presenting Ndakwa as his successor.

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In a post on X, Ruto praised the late Injendi as “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 described Injendi’s service and humility as an inspiration, saying, “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.”

Ruto urged unity among his supporters, adding, “We, therefore, rally behind our UDA candidate, David Ndakwa, to deepen the transformation agenda and propel Malava Sub-County to greater heights of progress and prosperity.”

Opposition unites behind Panyako

The opposition has consolidated its strength behind Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako. Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Edgar Busiega Mwanga officially withdrew from the race on October 30, 2025, declaring support for Panyako. DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala announced the decision in Malava, with DAP-K confirming it through an X post.

Malala emphasized unity, saying, “Umoja ya Waluhya haifaii kuchezewa mara nyingine. Jamii yetu imekuwa ya kutengwa na kuonewa, lakini tumesema kwa sababu sisi wote tunaangazia kuweka jamii yetu pamoja, we must lead by example, na mambo ya ugomvi badala ya unity tunatupilia mbali leo.” He said the coalition, comprising DAP-K, Wiper, PLU, DCP, and DP, was formed “kuhakikisha William Ruto ametoka mamlakani.”

Coalition strategy and endorsements

Malala detailed the agreement, stating, “Katika hizi by-election zetu zote, tumekubaliana na viongozi wetu wote ndiposa tumekaa chini kwa muda mrefu tukaangalia tukakubaliana kwamba tutachagua mmoja wao apeperushe bendera ya United Opposition.” He assured Busiega of recognition, adding, “Tumekubaliana kwamba katika nomination list ya National Assembly ya chama cha DCP, Edgar Busiega is number one on that list to be nominated as the first of DCP.”

Panyako’s campaign has since gained momentum, with endorsements from Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa described the by-election as a key test, noting, “Among the competitors, he is leading by a double margin, with UDA’s Ndakwa following at a distance.”