Huge Twist in Malava Race as Rival Abruptly Drops Out and Backs UDA’s Ndakwa
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) hopeful David Ndakwa has gained significant momentum ahead of the 27 November Malava parliamentary by-election, after one of his key rivals abruptly withdrew from the race and publicly endorsed him.
DNA Party candidate Nathan Manyasi announced on Sunday, 23 November, that he would be stepping aside, saying his decision was motivated by what he described as “the greater interests of the constituency” and the need for political unity at a decisive moment for the region.
Speaking during a joint appearance with senior political leaders from Western Kenya, Manyasi said he had agreed to back Ndakwa and mobilise his support base to strengthen the UDA candidate’s standing in the contest.
“As a team player, when the coach tells you to be on the bench, you obey,” he said. “Right now, I am on the bench, but I want to assure my supporters that they were my people yesterday, and they will still be my people today and tomorrow.”
His withdrawal followed closed-door consultations reportedly brokered by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, who later praised the move as an act of political maturity.
Mudavadi hailed Manyasi for what he described as a “courageous and selfless” decision that he believes will consolidate the constituency’s voting blocs ahead of Thursday’s poll.
“This decision is not a sign of weakness from our brother Manyasi, but a sign of strength that demonstrates unity of purpose from a leader who is pragmatic and who has always put the interests of the people of Malava first,” Mudavadi said.
He added that the endorsement gives the UDA flagbearer “a significant advantage” in a race that has been widely described as too close to predict.
“Victory is indeed coming,” he declared. “The people of Malava Constituency have resolved not to gamble with their votes and know where to place their bet on Thursday 27th.”
Several senior leaders from the Kenya Kwanza coalition witnessed the endorsement event, including UDA Vice Chairman Kelvin Lunani, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Senator Jackson Mandago, and MPs Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Joseph Hamisi Denar (Nominated), as well as former Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali.
Fresh Poll Shows Tight Race Despite Endorsement
Manyasi’s exit is expected to rattle campaign strategies and potentially shift voter dynamics in the closing days of the by-election.
However, recent polling suggests Ndakwa may still face stiff competition. A survey released by Mizani Africa on Wednesday, 19 November, indicates that DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako currently leads the race with a 47.2% approval rating.
The poll, conducted between 13 and 15 November among 700 respondents, places Ndakwa in second position with 40.3%, suggesting a narrowed but competitive gap between the two leading candidates.
With the contest entering its final stretch, analysts say Manyasi’s endorsement may offer Ndakwa a crucial late boost—although whether it will be enough to overturn Panyako’s current lead remains to be seen.
Also Read: Popular Youth-Backed ODM MP Declares 2027 Presidential Bid to Challenge Ruto
Huge Twist in Malava Race as Rival Abruptly Drops Out and Backs UDA’s Ndakwa