A faction of DAP-K members, led by Deputy Party Leader and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, has openly backed UDA candidate David Ndakwa in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election, abandoning their own party candidate, Seth Panyako.
The decision comes as campaigns enter the final stretch ahead of voting scheduled for 27th November, highlighting divisions within political parties and the high-stakes nature of Western Kenya politics.
Savula Breaks Party Lines
Less than three weeks to the by-election, Savula made headlines by openly campaigning for Ndakwa.
“Mimi ni deputy party leader wa DAP-K, lakini leo tumekuja kuwaomba ruhusa kwa kuwa nimeona chama chetu hakiendi mahali. Nimekuja kuanza rasmi kufanyia campaign UDA candidate, as this constituency has never been in the opposition,” he said.
Savula and other DAP-K defectors argue that supporting their party’s candidate would marginalize the area politically and deny it development opportunities.
“Sisi tumeona vile watu wengine ile njia wanataka kutupeleka, hatutakubali kuwa kwa opposition. Hii Western tena, hivyo ndivyo itakuwa hapa Malava,” said Bernard Shinali, MP for Ikolomani, in support of the move.
The group maintains that aligning with the government will ensure infrastructure projects, electricity distribution, and development initiatives are delivered to Malava constituents.
UDA Welcomes the Move
The UDA political team in Malava welcomed the endorsement, arguing that the region’s political alignment should reflect its presence in government.
“Kuna mtu anakuja hapa anawadanganya ati mjumbe wenu asikue upande wa serikali. Hatutakula upinzani au kelele zao, lazima tuwe kwa serikali, na ndiyo naomba mnichague, siko UDA kimakosa,” said David Ndakwa, UDA candidate.
President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, also weighed in, stressing development over partisan bickering:
“Hizi stima tumewaletea zitaanza kuwaka next week. Jirani mwema ni yule anakuja kusaidia, sio kuleta matusi.”
The move is being viewed as a strategic alignment that could influence voter perception and consolidate government support in a historically opposition-leaning constituency.
Internal Divisions in DAP-K
Savula’s defection illustrates growing tensions within DAP-K. The party now faces internal criticism from members who insist on loyalty to the original candidate, Seth Panyako.
Adding complexity to the race, UDA senator Boni Khalwale has publicly supported Panyako, citing dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s handling of the party nomination process after the death of former MP Malulu Injendi.
This split in support has raised questions about DAP-K’s coherence and strategy in Western Kenya, where voters have historically swung between opposition and government-aligned parties.
Political analysts note that defections and cross-party endorsements in Kenya’s by-elections often reflect pragmatic considerations, where voters and leaders prioritize access to government resources over party ideology.
Implications for the Malava By-Election
With the by-election now less than three weeks away, the political landscape in Malava remains fluid. Observers suggest that Savula’s high-profile endorsement of Ndakwa could sway voters who traditionally follow local leaders’ guidance.
“In constituencies like Malava, development promises often carry more weight than party loyalty,” said a political analyst.
Meanwhile, Seth Panyako’s supporters are urging party unity and cautioning against what they describe as undermining democracy by promoting government-aligned candidates at the expense of party rules.
The race is shaping up to be closely contested, with UDA leveraging government-backed projects and resources, while DAP-K tries to maintain its presence in a traditionally opposition territory.
