A day after a tense and narrow victory, President William Ruto’s powerful aide, Farouk Kibet, has publicly called on Malava's new Member of Parliament, David Ndakwa, to serve all constituents without bias. “Serve the people of Malava, those who voted for you and those who didn't,” Kibet urged, setting a tone of reconciliation after a heated contest.

The call for unity underscores the national significance of this by-election, held on Thursday, November 27, 2025. For the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), this was more than just filling a seat; it was a high-stakes battle to solidify its political footprint in Western Kenya, a region with shifting allegiances ahead of the 2027 General Election.

A Hard-Fought Victory Signals UDA's Intent

Ndakwa, of the UDA party, was declared the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) after securing 21,564 votes. He narrowly defeated his main rival, Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), who garnered 20,210 votes. The by-election, which was prompted by the death of former MP Malulu Injendi, saw a voter turnout of 46.2%.

The campaign was intense, marked by accusations of malpractice and unrest, reflecting the high stakes for both the government and opposition. Kibet was a central and highly visible figure in Ndakwa's campaign, leading door-to-door drives and economic empowerment forums to rally support for the government's candidate.

Focus Shifts to Development and Reconciliation

In his victory speech, Ndakwa vowed to continue the work of his predecessor, promising to prioritize the completion of ongoing development projects before initiating new ones. “I will ensure that all the developments started are completed first,” he assured residents. Key priorities raised during the campaign included improving roads, education, healthcare, and creating opportunities for the youth.

In a surprising move aimed at easing tensions, Farouk Kibet extended an olive branch to the runner-up, Seth Panyako, urging him to work with the new MP. Kibet went a step further, promising to petition President Ruto to find a government role for Panyako. “I will talk to the president to find him a job in government,” he stated, arguing Panyako's experience should not be wasted.

By-Election at a Glance:
• Winner: David Ndakwa (UDA) - 21,564 votes
• Runner-up: Seth Panyako (DAP-K) - 20,210 votes
• Voter Turnout: 46.2% (43,675 ballots cast)
• Reason for By-Election: Death of the former MP, Malulu Injendi

As Ndakwa prepares to take office, the immediate challenge will be to unite a constituency divided by a grueling campaign. His success will be measured not just by the projects he completes, but by his ability to prove he is a leader for all of Malava.