ODM Endorses UDA Candidate David Ndakwa in Malava By-Election

Kakamega, Kenya — September 22, 2025, 15:30 EAT.

In a significant show of cross-party unity, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially endorsed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa for the upcoming Malava Parliamentary by-election slated for November 27, 2025.

The Latest

ODM Kakamega County Chairman Fernandes Barasa announced on Monday that the party would not field its own candidate, instead throwing full support behind Ndakwa, a decision he said was made “in the spirit of the Broad-Based Government.”

The move marks a rare moment of political collaboration between ODM, led by Raila Odinga, and President William Ruto’s UDA, as both parties seek to consolidate votes and secure continuity for development projects initiated by the late MP Malulu Injendi.

“This is about unity, development, and delivering for the people of Malava,” Barasa told a rally in Kakamega.

Context in Brief

• Late MP Malulu Injendi: The seat fell vacant following his passing earlier this year. Injendi had championed infrastructure, education, and health projects in the constituency.

• By-Election Date: Set for November 27, 2025, under the supervision of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

• Broad-Based Government Agenda: Since March 2025, ODM and UDA have collaborated on select legislative and development priorities, despite remaining political rivals.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitutional Basis: By-elections in Kenya are governed by Article 101(4) of the Constitution and the Elections Act, 2011, requiring a new election within 90 days of a vacancy declaration.

• IEBC Mandate: The commission oversees candidate nominations, campaign timelines, and election day logistics.

• Political Party Dynamics: ODM’s withdrawal simplifies the ballot, potentially boosting voter clarity and turnout.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Fernandes Barasa, ODM Kakamega Chair:

  “Kwa sababu tumetilia mkazo mambo ya Broad-Based Government, tulisema hatutaweka candidate hapa Malava, na tuko nyuma ya candidate wetu wa Broad Based David Ndakwa,” he declared.

• UDA Leadership: Officials welcomed ODM’s backing, framing it as proof of the broad coalition’s commitment to stability and service delivery.

• Local Residents: Reactions were mixed. Some praised the unity, while others worried about reduced political competition limiting voter choice.

Evidence & Data

• Election Date: November 27, 2025

• Vacant Seat: Malava Constituency, Kakamega County

• Previous MP: Malulu Injendi (deceased)

• Coalition Context: Broad-Based Government pact signed March 2025

Risks and Implications

• Political Competition: Critics warn the ODM–UDA pact may erode multiparty democracy at the constituency level.

• Development Continuity: Supporters argue unity ensures ongoing projects remain uninterrupted.

• National Politics: The alliance could influence 2027 electoral alignments if cooperation deepens.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether other opposition parties will field candidates.

• How the IEBC plans to manage potential disputes over campaign conduct.

• The role Raila Odinga and President Ruto will play in the campaign trail for Ndakwa.

Timeline

• August 2025: Malulu Injendi passes away, seat declared vacant.

• September 22, 2025: ODM endorses UDA’s David Ndakwa.

• November 27, 2025: Malava by-election scheduled.

What to Watch

• Candidate nomination deadlines set by the IEBC.

• Campaign strategies as ODM and UDA share a platform.

• Possible shifts in national political alliances ahead of 2027.

Editor’s Note: This article will be updated as IEBC releases the full list of cleared candidates and official campaign schedules.