UDA’s David Ndakwa Clinches Malava MP Seat Amid Tensions

Ndakwa secured 21,564 votes to Panyako’s 20,210, with a slim margin reflecting the intense political contest in the region.

Ndakwa defeated five other aspirants to clinch the Malava parliamentary seat, including DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako, Kenya Moja Movement Party’s Wilberforce Tuvei, Party of Democratic Unity (PDU) candidate George Ngaira, Entrust Pioneer Party (EPP) candidate Jason Shivakale, and National Ordinary People Empowerment Union (NOPEU) candidate, Benjamin Nalwa.

By-Election Tensions and Chaos

The Malava by-election was marked by tension and chaotic scenes, reflecting the high stakes as candidates fought to succeed the late Malulu Injendi, whose death earlier this year triggered the by-election.

Seth Panyako and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s were allegedly arrested, prompting angry residents in Kitale Town to block major roads in protest.

In Muhonje, tensions ran high and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa’s Toyota Land Cruiser V8 was reportedly attacked and set on fire.

DAP-K alleged that “goons,” terrorized their candidate and his agents throughout the night. The party further claimed that the attacks occurred under the supervision of police officers.

“Goons under police supervision terrorized him the whole night, injured our agents, destroyed property and now they want to intimidate him. We will not allow,” DAP-K stated.

David Ndakwa’s campaign emphasized peace and calm despite provocations, with Ndakwa urging his supporters to reject manipulation and coercion during the polls.

His campaign approach contrasted with the violence and disputes that often surround competitive by-elections in Kenya.

Political Heavyweights and Campaign Backing

Ndakwa’s campaign was strongly backed by prominent political figures, including President William Ruto, who endorsed his candidature and expressed confidence in Ndakwa’s leadership ;Farouk Kibet; National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula; and Cabinet Secretary for the Prime Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, all with strong followings in Western Kenya.

The UDA party leadership rallied behind Ndakwa, framing the by-election as critical for sustaining development projects in Malava and maintaining political momentum ahead of national elections.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also showed strong resolve, vigorously campaigning for DAP-K’s Seth Panyako.

He portrayed himself as the symbol of a fresh political wave in Western Kenya, aiming to challenge and eventually unseat the long-held influence of Mudavadi and Wetang’ula.

Ndakwa’s Political Career and Commitments

David Ndakwa vowed to prioritize continuity by completing all development initiatives started by the late MP Malulu Injendi before launching new projects.

Ndakwa made his political debut in the August 2017 general elections, where he impressed many by winning his first seat.

He secured re-election in 2022 under the Amani National Congress (ANC) and went on to serve as the Minority Leader in the Kakamega County Assembly throughout both terms.

In late September 2025, he stepped down from that role to fully dedicate himself to the Malava parliamentary by-election campaign under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

His decision paid off during the party nominations, he emerged victorious with 6,477 votes, beating Ryan Injendi, the son of a former MP, who managed 3,783 votes.

His focus on development and legacy protection appealed to voters who desired stability after a period of political uncertainty.

Ndakwa’s calm and issue-driven campaign across Malava was a key factor in his narrow win, reflecting his connection with the electorate and ability to navigate local complexities peacefully.

This by-election outcome positions David Ndakwa as a significant political figure in Western Kenya, with expectations high for his tenure amid competing political interests and local dynamics.