Malava’s political scene was thrown into turmoil on Sunday, November 23, 2025, after Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate Joab Burudi Manyasi withdrew from the parliamentary by-election and announced his support for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa.

As posted on X, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, by the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the announcement came during a public event in Kakamega, where Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi personally received Manyasi, sparking speculation across the constituency.

“Malava’s political landscape has been shaken after Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate Joab Burudi Manyasi suddenly bowed out of the race and threw his weight behind UDA’s David Ndakwa,” the post reads.

“The announcement was made in Kakamega, where Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon Musalia W Mudavadi personally received Manyasi on Sunday, setting off waves of speculation across the constituency.”

Manyasi’s sudden decision marks a dramatic shift in the contest, which had previously been dominated by opposition consolidation behind Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).

Earlier this month, Manyasi had stepped aside to support Panyako, following a series of strategic withdrawals by opposition candidates, including Edgar Busiega of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). These moves had strengthened Panyako’s position as the frontrunner against Ndakwa.

Manyasi shakes Malava politics

The DNA candidate’s alignment with UDA now changes the dynamics in Malava, a key constituency in Kakamega County and historically a stronghold for opposition parties.

Manyasi, who had defected from DAP-K earlier this year, had positioned himself as a champion for farmers, youth, and women. His initial campaign gained traction due to strong local roots and prior electoral performance.

Seth Panyako remains the official opposition candidate, having secured backing from multiple parties as part of a coordinated effort to prevent vote-splitting. DAP-K, under the leadership of Eugene Wamalwa, has defended Panyako’s candidacy despite a legal challenge questioning his eligibility.

The Malava by-election is set against a backdrop of broader political tensions in Western Kenya. Earlier, Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale campaigned in Malava for Seth Panyako, breaking ranks with UDA in support of the DAP-K candidate.

Their move followed the party primaries, in which Malulu Injendi’s son, Ryan Injendi, lost the UDA ticket-a result Khalwale described as unfair and attributed to Mudavadi’s influence.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi subsequently warned Natembeya of political consequences if his actions backfire ahead of the 2027 elections, signalling the friction between UDA leadership and regional opposition figures. Despite this, Natembeya and Khalwale remained united in backing Panyako.

The electorate now faces a choice between the newly reinforced UDA ticket of Ndakwa, boosted by Manyasi’s support, and the united opposition front behind Panyako. Both campaigns have intensified voter engagement, with rallies, community forums, and public endorsements dominating the political landscape.