- D.N.A. candidate Joab Burudi Manyasi withdraws from Malava race, endorsing UDA’s David Ndakwa.
- Announcement made Sunday in Kakamega, just ahead of IEBC campaign deadline.
- The move is seen as strategic, potentially reshaping voter dynamics ahead of the Thursday, November 27, by-election.
Malava’s political landscape has shifted dramatically after Democratic National Alliance candidate Joab Burudi Manyasi pulled out of the race and endorsed UDA’s David Ndakwa. The announcement was made in Kakamega on Sunday, November 24, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi personally receiving Manyasi, sparking speculation about the constituency’s final contest.
Analysts suggest Manyasi’s backing could significantly boost Ndakwa’s chances, altering voter dynamics just hours before the IEBC-mandated campaign deadline.
The endorsement drew a high-profile political gathering, including UDA Vice Chairman Kelvin Lunani, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Senator Jackson Mandago, and MPs Fred Ikana, Joseph Hamisi Denar, and former Mumias East MP Benard Shinali. Their presence underlined the strategic importance of Manyasi’s move.
Ndakwa will face Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya, whose candidacy is backed by the United Opposition alliance. Ndakwa has consolidated support from senior cabinet and government officials, including Cooperative CS Eugene Wamalwa and Speaker Moses Wetangula, alongside other leaders from UDA and ODM.
On the other side, Panyako enjoys full backing from the opposition coalition and UDA-elected Senator Boni Khalwale, setting the stage for a closely contested by-election.
The Malava by-election is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, with the recent developments expected to influence the outcome in a tight race.
