The Two Contenders Battling for Malava’s High-Stakes By-election

Malava and Kabuchai are heading into high-stakes by-elections after an intense final day of campaigning marked by heavy political mobilisation.

The contest in Malava, where voters will choose a successor to the late MP Malulu Injendi, has tightened around United Democratic Alliance candidate David Ndakwa and Democratic Action Party–Kenya nominee Seth Panyako. Ndakwa, a former West Kabras MCA, is running on a platform of continuity and access to national development programmes. 

He has been backed by a broad group of senior government and county leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. A prominent feature of Ndakwa’s campaign has been the sustained presence of Farouk Kibet, a close aide to President William Ruto. 

His early-morning ward tours, detailed voter mobilisation and assertive messaging have strengthened UDA’s on-the-ground operations. His commissioning of a high-mast floodlight at Chegulo Market has been highlighted by Ndakwa’s team as a sign of prompt government action and the benefits of political alignment with the state.

Panyako, positioning himself as the “people’s candidate,” argues that Malava would be better served by reducing central government influence. His campaign criticises the administration’s handling of the economy and public services, aiming to channel discontent among younger voters and other dissatisfied groups. 

He is supported by leaders such as Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya and Rigathi Gachagua, who seek to counter UDA’s message by characterising Ndakwa’s bid as driven by state machinery rather than community priorities. As both campaigns intensify their outreach across Malava’s seven wards, the election has become a wider contest over political authority in Western Kenya. 

Kenya Kwanza views a win as reinforcement of its regional gains, while the opposition hopes to block further expansion by the governing coalition. Turnout is expected to be a decisive factor when polls open.

In Kabuchai, where voters also head to the polls on Thursday, security has become central following an incident at a rally held by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on 22 November. Loud explosions, believed to be teargas discharges, caused panic after unidentified individuals disrupted the event by throwing stones and damaging nearby property associated with Natembeya’s allies. 

Police moved the governor away from the scene, and no serious injuries were reported. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, campaigning for FORD–Kenya candidate Vincent Maunda, has stated that security agencies are on heightened alert to prevent further disturbances. 

DAP-K has condemned the disruption at Natembeya’s rally and warned that inadequate action by the electoral commission and police could increase tensions. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has also questioned how such an incident occurred without prior intelligence.