Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has stirred political waters after declaring his support for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election, going against his Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leadership.
Savula, who serves as DAP-K’s second deputy party leader, announced that he would join Ndakwa’s campaign trail in what he termed as support for the broad-based government initiative spearheaded by President William Ruto’s administration.
“I have decided to support Ndakwa, who is the Kenya Kwanza candidate, in the spirit of the broad-based government,” Savula said. “The Constitution provides that the two levels of government shall work together, and as such, we shall work together to deliver the Malava seat to the government.”
His move has exposed cracks within DAP-K, with party leader Eugene Wamalwa and first deputy leader George Natembeya already divided over campaign strategies for DAP-K’s candidate Seth Panyako. Savula accused the two of letting their internal wrangles spill into the Malava campaigns, weakening their candidate’s momentum.
Interestingly, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, a senior UDA figure, is also campaigning for Panyako, adding another twist to the unfolding political drama.
Political observers believe Savula’s defection could inject fresh energy into Ndakwa’s campaign as the race enters its final stretch. The by-election, slated for November 27, follows the death of former MP Malulu Injendi in February.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared nine candidates for the contest, though some—such as Edgar Busiega and Joab Manyasi—have withdrawn in support of Panyako to strengthen opposition unity.
The Malava race is being closely watched as a litmus test for both the government and the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election, and as a measure of influence among top Luhya leaders jostling for political dominance in Western Kenya.
