Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has announced that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will back United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election set for November 27, 2025.
Speaking in Kakamega on Monday, September 22, 2025, Barasa, who also serves as ODM County Chairperson, said the party will not field a candidate in the contest. Instead, the decision is meant to promote unity and ensure continuity of development projects in the constituency.
“We have decided to support David Ndakwa as part of a broad-based approach to governance. Our focus is on service delivery and continuing the projects initiated by the late Hon. Malulu,” Barasa explained.
The Malava seat fell vacant earlier this year following the death of MP Malulu Injendi. Ndakwa, who clinched the UDA nomination with 6,477 votes, defeated Ryan Injendi, who garnered 3,783 votes, during the party primaries.
Barasa emphasized that ODM’s endorsement of a UDA candidate should not be mistaken for a betrayal of party principles. Instead, he described it as a strategic move to secure effective leadership for Malava residents.
“This is about delivering results for the people, not political rivalry,” he stressed.
He further pledged to mobilize ODM supporters across Kakamega County to campaign for Ndakwa. In his remarks, Barasa highlighted the importance of unity in tackling development challenges:
“Nguvu zetu zote tutaweka hapa ili tuhakikishe watu wa Malava wamemchagua Mheshimiwa Ndakwa,” he said.
Ndakwa will face stiff competition in the by-election from Seth Panyako of DAP-K, Edgar Busiega of DCP, Wilberforce Tuvei of Kenya Moja, and Joab Manyasi of DNA.
With ODM and UDA working together in Malava, the race is shaping up to be a test of how cross-party collaboration could influence political dynamics in Western Kenya ahead of 2027
