Malava by-election: UDA’s David Ndakwa receives defectors, pledges inclusive leadership
By Luke Oluoch, November 12, 2025The Malava by-election’s United Democratic Alliance candidate, David Ndakwa, has promised inclusive leadership as he seeks to become the constituency’s next member of parliament.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Ndakwa thanked the residents for the overwhelming endorsement of his bid as he received more defectors ahead of the polls slated for November 27, 2025.
Defectors
The aspirant received defectors from East Kabras Ward, who decamped to his camp after their candidate, Joab Burudi, stepped down in the race to support DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako, and a section of boda boda operators from the region.
“This team here has accepted to support my bid. I want to tell them that my leadership will include all and bring people together without discriminating against anyone. I promise to continue all the projects started by the late Malulu Injendi and bring development to this region,” the county’s speaker said.
On Monday, November 10, 2025, Ndakwa’s campaign received a massive boost after Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula endorsed his bid.
Savula’s endorsement
Savula, who is also the DAP-K deputy party leader, defied his party’s stance to rally support for the government-allied politician.
The ruling party made the confirmation through its official X page on Monday, November 11, 2025, during a meeting at the constituency.
“In a major political shift, Kakamega County Deputy Governor Hon. Ayub Savula, who also serves as the Deputy Party Leader of DAP-K, has officially endorsed Hon. David Ndakwa for the Malava Constituency seat.
“This endorsement marks a significant realignment in Kakamega politics, as leaders rally behind Ndakwa’s unifying and development-focused agenda. The political tide in Malava is changing — the movement is unstoppable,” the UDA statement read.
Intrigues
Savula’s endorsement added to the intrigue of a political contest that has witnessed huge political jostling and the defying of party lines ahead of the contest on November 27, 2025.
Meanwhile, the entire united opposition endorsed Seth Panyako’s candidature on Monday, November 3, 2025, and vowed to storm the constituency and other areas where by-elections are being held.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has also thrown his weight behind Seth Panyako. Other leaders from the western region, the whole United Opposition, are backing Seth Panyako for the race.