UDA denies imposing leaders on Malava people ahead of by-election
By Luke Oluoch, August 15, 2025United Democratic Alliance Party honchos have moved to defend the party over allegations that they are imposing a leader on the people of the parliamentary by-elections in the Malava Constituency.
Kelvin Lunani, the party’s vice chairperson, affirmed that the party’s entrance into the region’s politics is solely to guide the constituents on who to elect as their representative in the upcoming by-elections.
“UDA is a grassroots party. We leave the authority to people on the ground. We have not come here to impose a leader on you people. We have come here to decide on who your leader will be to represent the people of Malava,” he stated.
The former ANC party chair rose to the vice-chair position following the official merger between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party and the Amani National Congress (ANC) Party in January 2025.
His sentiments were echoed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who further challenged the people to elect a candidate from the ruling party.
Mudavadi noted that as the region’s patron, he was committed to walking with the people and helping them choose a committed and diligent leader, like the deceased Malulu Injendi.
“I will not force somebody on you, but I am requesting that you elect a UDA candidate. As UDA is geared towards leaving the people at the grassroots to elect their own leaders,” he stated.
Important byelection
Speaking during a past event, Lunani stressed the importance of the by-election for the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
“Everyone in Kenya is watching the Malava by-election keenly. The outcome of the vote will have a huge impact on Mudavadi. Malulu was Mudavadi’s MP. It would therefore be a stab in the back if Malava people were to vote in someone from another political party,” he stated.
The foregoing comes as the battle for the UDA party tickets heats up in the region. Among those set to battle it out for the ticket are Malulu’s son Ryan Injendi, lawyer Leonard Shimaka, retired Bungoma High School Principal Enock Andanje, now deceased, Kivaywa High School Principal Simon Kagwana, and West Kabras Member of County Assembly (MCA) David Ndakwa.