Inside Politics

Ryan Injendi backs David Ndakwa after UDA nomination defeat

Wednesday 01st October, 2025 03:16 PM| By Mabonga Makhanu

The son of the late Malulu Injendi, Ryan Injendi, who was defeated in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) primaries, has now agreed to back the flagbearer David Ndakwa in the Malava by-elections slated for November 27.

He made this move on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, after a Thanksgiving event he organised to appreciate the Malava locals for supporting him in the party primaries.

The event was graced by President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, among other top politicians from the area. It also brought together other defeated aspirants Leonard Shimaka and Simon Kangwana, who scooped 1,192 and 1,064 votes, respectively.

Defeated Malava UDA aspirants agreeing to support David Ndakwa. PHOTO//https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122190810122358923&set=pcb.122190812246358923

The aspirants all donned party uniforms to show their allegiance to the party despite the loss. This was officiated by Farouk Kibet, who invited them onto the podium, held their hands, and lifted them up to show acceptance that despite being rivals in the primaries, they had agreed to rally behind the flagbearer, who dwarfed them in the nominations, and ensure the seat is won by UDA.

Farouk Kibet also assured Ryan Injendi of a government position despite his loss. According to Farouk, the president will offer him a job in honour of his late father, who was a close confidant of the president. The job offer, Farouk stated, will also be extended to the other two participants for choosing to remain loyal to the party despite losing in the mini polls.

Farouk Kibet gracing over Ryan Injendi’s thanksgiving ceremony in Malava. PHOTO//https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122190811796358923&set=pcb.122190812246358923

“Huyu Ryan Ruto atamueka mahali, kwa heshima ya Malulu Injendi, na watu wa Malava. Hata huyu Shamaka Ruto atamueka mahali,” Farouk said.

Behaviour after losing

After the UDA nominations, Injendi was at first not content with the outcome. He came out lamenting betrayal from the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, stating that despite other top government officials deciding not to take sides in the party elections, people from his office were in the constituency trying to influence the vote in Ndakwa’s favour.

Despite all this, he decided to remain in the party and agreed to support the winner.

UDA’s David Ndakwa is now set to face DAPk’s Seth Panyako in the hotly contested by-elections.