Malava Constituency witnessed a tightly contested by-election on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa emerging victorious.

Ndakwa garnered 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating DAP-K’s Seth Panyako, who secured 20,210 votes, giving him a slim margin of 1,354 votes. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Returning Officer officially announced Ndakwa as the winner on Friday morning, November 28, at the Malava tallying centre.

“David Ndakwa of UDA – 21,564, Seth Panyako DAP-K- 20,210, Wilberforce Tuvei Kenya Moja – 752, Shivakale Bruce Jason -390, George Ngaira – 257, Shinachi Angatia scored – 242, Benjamin Nalwa with – 215, Edgar Busiega – 208.”

“I now declare David Athman Ndakwa officially has been elected the official MP of Malava constituency, kindly come forward and pick your certificate,” The IEBC Returning officer Abdalla Salim announced.

The by-election followed the untimely death of MP Malulu Injendi in August 2025, which left the seat vacant. Speaking after receiving his certificate, an emotional Ndakwa reflected on the journey and the challenges faced: “Nataka kushukuru mwenyezi Mungu kwa haya yote, tumekua kwa campaign baada ya kumpoteza mjumbe wetu Malulu, Mungu aiweke roho yake mahali pema peponi.”

He also acknowledged the support of President William Ruto and the UDA party, saying, “Mimi nashukuru party leader wangu president William Ruto kwa kunipa nafasi kwa chama chake niwe mgombea wa kiti, nashukuru watu wa Malava kwa kunichagua niongoze.”

Smooth polling amid heightened tensions

The by-election took place against a backdrop of heightened political tensions. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, a supporter of Panyako, criticised the sudden withdrawal of his security detail and that of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen later clarified that the security recalls affected VIPs across the political spectrum, seeking to quell speculation of political targeting. Despite the tension, voter turnout remained relatively high, with over 58 percent of the constituency’s 81,000 registered voters casting their ballots.

Ndakwa commended IEBC for conducting the election in a transparent manner, stating: “Napongeza IEBC kwa kufanya kazi bila mapendeleo, na majibu itokee na mpaka sahihi hakuna mtu ametokea kupinga kusema sio sawa.” He also praised security agencies for ensuring peace throughout the campaign and polling period.

Development and unity

Beyond victory celebrations, Ndakwa focused on development and inclusivity, appealing to his rivals to join him in serving the constituency: “Kwa my worthy competitors nawaomba wakuje na mimi kwa sababu interest yetu ni kuserve watu wa Malava.”

He emphasised the importance of immediate action with just one and a half years left before the 2027 General Election: “Naapa ya kwamba nitawaskiliza nyote nitakua mvumilivu, sisi wote ni kufocus because we have 1 and a half years to the 2027 elections and we have no time left but to get into work as soon as possible.”