NAIROBI – In a significant political manoeuvre, Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has officially endorsed the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa, for the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat. The announcement, confirmed by the UDA party on Monday, November 10, 2025, sends shockwaves through the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), where Savula serves as the Deputy Party Leader. The move lays bare escalating internal conflicts within DAP-K and signals a potential recalibration of political alliances in Western Kenya ahead of the November 27, 2025 by-election.

The by-election was called following the death of the constituency's Member of Parliament, Malulu Injendi, in February 2025. Mr. Ndakwa, who is the Kakamega County Assembly Minority Leader, secured the UDA ticket in party primaries held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with 6,477 votes.

Internal Wrangles and Shifting Loyalties

Mr. Savula attributed his decision to deep-seated divisions within the DAP-K leadership, specifically citing a public feud between Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa and First Deputy Party Leader George Natembeya. “The wrangles between our party leadership have made it difficult to conduct harmonious campaigns. Eugene Wamalwa and his deputy George Natembeya are holding separate rallies in different parts of the constituency, which projects disunity and confuses voters,” Savula stated on Monday. This internal strife, according to sources within the party, has been simmering for months over disagreements on campaign strategy and party resources, undermining the campaign of their own candidate, Seth Panyako.

Justifying his cross-party endorsement, Savula emphasized his commitment to regional development over party politics. “My responsibility is to work hand in hand with the government to guarantee seamless development for our residents. Party politics should not stand in the way of progress,” he said, framing his support for the Kenya Kwanza candidate within a “broad-based government” framework. This sentiment is echoed by his boss, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), who is also campaigning for the UDA candidate.

A Complex Web of Endorsements

The political landscape in Malava is further complicated by a series of contradictory endorsements that defy conventional party lines. In a surprising twist, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, a prominent UDA figure, has thrown his support behind the DAP-K candidate, Seth Panyako. Dr. Khalwale has publicly campaigned for Panyako, citing his disappointment with the UDA party for not awarding its ticket to the late MP's son, Ryan Injendi. This open defiance from a senior party member highlights the intricate and personality-driven nature of local politics in the region.

Meanwhile, the opposition has attempted to consolidate its front. Mr. Panyako’s campaign received a boost after two other candidates, Joab Burudi Manyasi of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and Edgar Busiega of the Democracy for Citizens' Party (DCP), stepped down to support him. This was framed as a move to present a united opposition front against the ruling coalition.

Implications for Western Kenya and 2027

Political analysts view the Malava by-election as a crucial litmus test for both the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition in Western Kenya, a region historically pivotal in national elections. The outcome is expected to define the political influence of key Luhya leaders and could potentially reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 general election.

Mr. Savula's public break with his party leadership is seen as a significant gain for UDA's efforts to make inroads into the region. The UDA statement celebrated the endorsement as a “major political shift” and a sign that local leaders are rallying behind Ndakwa’s “unifying and development-focused agenda.” The ongoing power struggles within DAP-K, a key party in the Azimio la Umoja coalition, risk weakening its standing and presenting an opportunity for the ruling party to consolidate its influence in Kakamega County. The events in Malava underscore the fluidity of Kenyan politics, where personal influence and development promises often supersede party loyalty, setting a complex stage for the upcoming national contest.