By Anderson Ojwang
The Malava constituency by-election offers both a testing ground and a launching pad in a battle that pits the older generation of Luhya leaders against the ambitious younger generation.
It is a marking scheme for the new political divide in the community — one that could usher in a fresh dispensation or become a graveyard for others in Luhya politics.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are under pressure from the younger generation led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
For Mudavadi, the Malava seat carries special significance. It was previously held by the late Moses Malulu Injendi, a member of the Amani National Congress (ANC), before Mudavadi dissolved the party to join President William Ruto’s UDA.
In the 2022 general election, Malulu (ANC) won with 22,891 votes, followed closely by UDA’s Seth Panyako with 20,133 votes, while ODM’s Joab Manyasi came third with 11,983. Caleb Sunguti of DAP-K managed 876 votes, while Ford-K’s Peter Shitanda came last with just 275. Malava has 57,378 registered voters.
In the current realignments, Panyako has defected from UDA to DAP-K and is considered one of the frontrunners in the by-election. For this reason, President Ruto has entrusted Mudavadi with delivering the seat for UDA.
But Mudavadi faces the battle of his political life after Natembeya was recently installed as the Maragoli community spokesperson — a direct affront in his backyard. Natembeya’s style of politics has become a nightmare for Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, as it resonates strongly with the public and is gaining massive traction across the Luhya community.
Kakamega County Minority Leader David Ndakwa will fly the UDA flag in Malava after winning the nomination with 6,477 votes, defeating Ryan Malulu who got 3,783. Ndakwa will face off against Panyako of DAP-K and Edgar Busiaga of DCP, the party linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
UDA is enjoying the support of broad-based government partners, with both ODM and Ford-K backing Ndakwa. Kakamega ODM County Chairman and Governor Fernandes Barasa confirmed that ODM would not field a candidate in Malava “In the spirit of the broad-based arrangement” between the party and UDA, as they prepared their joint campaign machinery ahead of the November 27, 2025, mini polls.
Mudavadi has already held a series of meetings with elders, religious leaders, professionals, and various groups from Malava to woo support for UDA and President Ruto.
“Malava was in government, and it should remain in government if it is to benefit more as a constituency. Let us not be swayed by a few individuals running around, proclaiming to be holier than thou and spreading propaganda about government. Let us join government under this broad-based initiative that is transforming Kenya,” Mudavadi said.
He assured residents of continuity:
“Until you elect a new Member of Parliament, I stand as your patron in Malava. We must move forward together, build on the strong foundation left by our late brother Hon. Malulu Injendi, and ensure the development agenda remains on course.”
He added:
“Leadership is not about theatrics or short-term promises. Malava deserves a predictable, consistent, and dependable leader — someone who can be trusted to put the interests of the people first. Do not let temporary excitement blind you. If you sell your father’s land to buy a trumpet, where will you stand to blow it?”
But Natembeya is also leaving nothing to chance, branding the Malava by-election a make-or-break moment in his political journey.
At a rally, he declared:
“Malava by-election is the reawakening moment for the Luhya community to make its own political choice and to avoid being controlled by outsiders. We are the second-largest community in the country, yet we are nowhere at the negotiating table. Malava presents us with an opportunity for a fresh beginning.”
The Western Community Professional Caucus has also weighed in, linking the Malava contest to broader political reawakening.
In a statement, the Western Community Stakeholders Forum (WCSF) said the November 27 by-elections in Malava, Kisa East, and Kabuchai were a test for voters to rethink their political unity.
The group challenged voters to punish Mudavadi, Wetang’ula, and Raila Odinga by electing DAP-K candidates.
WCSF Secretary General Daniel Mukhonge argued that voters should reject Kenya Kwanza and ODM candidates for ignoring the Luhya community after the 2022 elections. He claimed only DAP-K represents the true political will of the community heading into 2027.
“DAP-K is the only Luhya-led parliamentary political party of the moment. Let’s identify with this party and fortify our positions to earn respect as a people who can also lead. Malava presents us with an opportunity to exorcise the ghosts of supporting political parties owned by outsiders,” he said.
