In a surprising political maneuver, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has endorsed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa for the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election set for November 27, 2025. This move signals a shift in the traditional political alignments within the region, emphasizing cooperative governance over competition.
Governor Barasa’s Announcement
The endorsement was made public by Kakamega Governor and ODM County Chairperson Fernandes Barasa during a press conference on Monday. Barasa announced that ODM would not field a candidate for the election, a strategic decision aimed at fostering a broader coalition among local political factions.
“We, as members of ODM, support a broad-based government… We are backing the candidate of the broad-based team, David Ndakwa,” Barasa stated, underlining the party’s commitment to unity. The focus, he remarked, would be on mobilizing support for Ndakwa to ensure that he completes the projects initiated by the late MP Malulu Injendi.
A Shift Towards Unity
Barasa emphasized that the decision to support Ndakwa was inspired by the spirit of service to the people of Malava. He articulated that ODM leaders had prioritized the constituents’ interests above political rivalry after thorough consultations.
“As a party, we chose to prioritize the people’s needs over political rivalry. After wide consultations, we believe David Ndakwa is the most suitable candidate to bring real change to Malava Constituency,” he affirmed.
This endorsement marks a pivotal moment in local politics, as it deviates from typical partisan divisions. Barasa made it clear that this was not a repudiation of ODM but rather a strategic move to ensure effective representation for Malava in Parliament.
Focus on Leadership and Service Delivery
In further remarks, Barasa clarified that the endorsement should not be misconstrued as a betrayal of the party’s values. Instead, he reiterated that the move is fundamentally about leadership and tangible service delivery for the constituents of Malava.
“Ndakwa has demonstrated a clear development agenda, and we want to give him a chance to deliver,” Barasa asserted, reflecting the party’s focus on pragmatic governance.
Given the stakes of the upcoming by-election, the ODM leadership has urged its supporters in Malava to rally behind Ndakwa, promising robust mobilization efforts to bolster his campaign.
Political Dynamics in Western Kenya
The collaboration between ODM and UDA in this scenario highlights a notable shift in the political landscape of Western Kenya, especially as the region approaches the 2027 general elections. This rare show of cooperation may suggest an evolving political dynamic, which could reshape traditional party loyalties and voting behaviors.
David Ndakwa emerged as the UDA nominee following a successful primary where he garnered 6,477 votes, significantly outpacing his closest rival, Ryan Injendi, who received 3,783 votes. With the backing of ODM, Ndakwa’s campaign is expected to gain momentum as he faces competitors from various political parties, including Seth Panyako of DAP-K, Edgar Busiega of DCP, Wilberforce Tuvei of Kenya Moja, and Joab Manyasi of DNA.
The Stakes for Malava
The seat vacated by the late MP Malulu Injendi has set the stage for a high-stakes contest, with implications that reach beyond Malava. The outcome of the by-election has the potential to influence the political balance in the region as various parties strategize for the forthcoming 2027 elections.
As campaigning ramps up, attention will be focused on how voters respond to this unprecedented collaboration between ODM and UDA, and what it means for the future of political engagements in Western Kenya.