DAP-K leaders defy party, declare support for UDA candidate in Malava by-election

They say aligning with the government will ensure development for the region. This comes as campaigns enter the final stretch ahead of the by-election scheduled for 27th November. 

Less than three weeks to the Malava parliamentary by-election, Kakamega deputy governor and DAP-K deputy party leader Ayub Savula has defied party lines to endorse and begin campaigning for UDA candidate David Ndakwa, abandoning his own DAP-K candidate, Seth Panyako.

“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,” Savula noted. 

DAP-K members who have crossed over say supporting their party candidate would push the area into opposition.

They maintain their move is to align with government for development and opportunities. It is a position welcomed by leaders loyal to the broadbased government.

“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 Ikolomani.

The UDA political team in Malava has welcomed the move, saying local politics should reflect the region’s 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.

“Hizi stima tumewaletea zitaanza kuwaka next week. Jirani mwema ni yule anakuja kusaidia, sio kuleta matusi,” said Farouk Kibet, the president’s aide.

Savula’s move is illustrative of the divisions within political parties. UDA senator Boni Khalwale has backed DAP-Kenya’s candidate Seth Panyako, citing dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s handling of the nomination process after the death of former MP Malulu Injendi.