Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is set to lead the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaign in the upcoming Malava Constituency by-election, signaling the ruling party’s intent to solidify its political base in Western Kenya.
The by-election follows the death of MP Malulu Injendi on February 17 while undergoing treatment in Nairobi. Addressing over 100 elders and clan leaders from the 29 Kabras clans, Mudavadi pledged to guide the constituency through a smooth leadership transition, positioning himself as a unifying figure and development patron.
“Until you elect a new Member of Parliament, I stand as your Patron in Malava,” he told the gathering. “We must build on the foundation laid by our late brother Hon. Injendi and keep the development agenda on track.”
Mudavadi announced plans to engage various stakeholders—youth, women, religious leaders, farmers, and professionals—to identify a UDA candidate who embodies the aspirations of the Malava people.
“Malava deserves a predictable, consistent, and dependable leader,” he said. “Leadership is not about theatrics or short-term promises.”
He also cautioned against clannism and divisive rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of unity. “Clans are important to our identity, but let us not weaponize them in politics,” he warned. “We don’t want a leader who will cause conflict or steal resources meant for education and development.”
The elders presented a memorandum listing stalled projects left by Injendi, including the Malava-Ikoli and Malava-Samitsi roads, water projects, the Malava Medical Training College, and Shamberere Polytechnic hostels. They also demanded the gazettement of administrative units in East and West Kabras.
Mudavadi said he had already written to relevant ministries to address the concerns, engaging Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir and Kipchumba Murkomen for follow-up.
The consultative meeting is part of a broader campaign involving UDA leaders including vice chair Kelvin Lunani and MPs Fred Ikana and Beatrice Adagala. It also complements recent grassroots empowerment efforts in the region by President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet.
Mudavadi’s direct involvement underscores UDA’s high-stakes strategy to retain the seat and expand its influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
