Africa-Press – Kenya. Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi faces a high-stakes test in the Malava by-election as he seeks to deliver victory for the ruling UDA party and prove his political worth ahead of the 2027 polls.
Mudavadi, who folded his ANC party into UDA during the merger, is spearheading campaigns to recapture the seat left vacant after the death of MP Malulu Injendi.
The by-election is widely seen as a litmus test of Mudavadi’s grip on Western Kenya, a region where opposition forces remain strong.
A win would cement his value within President William Ruto’s re-election machinery, while a loss could dent his influence and diminish his standing in the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Complicating matters for Mudavadi is the “broad-based” political arrangement that has brought ODM leader Raila Odinga and his allies closer to the President’s inner circle, potentially crowding out space for him.
Speaking in Malava on August 15, Mudavadi cautioned against “gambling with our people” even as Raila declared that the broad-based pact would extend beyond 2027.
“Right now, we have seven by-elections for constituencies. In Nyanza, there is Ugunja and Kasipul. Then we have Malava in Western,” he said.
“Without mincing my words, do you think there is anyone who will beat Tinga [Raila] in Ugunja and Kasipul? Will it happen? Why, then, do you want to bring somebody else to disturb us here in Malava?”
He recalled that Raila had declared at Phoebe Asiyo’s funeral the broad-based arrangement wasn’t about today but the future, and thus the need to align.
Journalist and political commentator Alexander Chagema believes the Malava by-election will test UDA’s popularity in the region against ex-DP’s Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP and Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K.
DAP-K is sponsoring Seth Panyako, while DCP’s candidate is Edgar Mwanga.
“Mudavadi must lead the campaign to ensure UDA, and by extension Kenya Kwanza, wins,” Chagema says.
He, however, notes that Mudavadi’s official schedule might make it difficult for him to traverse Malava selling UDA on a weekly basis.
After days of grassroots engagements in the constituency, meeting boda boda riders, women’s groups and religious leaders, Mudavadi had to leave the country on August 17 for Japan for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on Africa’s Development (Ticad 9).
Mudavadi is also without key support from key local leaders from the county.
For instance, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has declared he will not back a particular candidate. Instead, he has accused his sponsoring party UDA of seeking the Malava seat despite failing to deliver on its promises.
Khalwale has also criticised the involvement of Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet in UDA’s campaign, saying the ruling party fears losing the seat.
“We voted for the President but his work is yet to be seen. Still, they are salivating for the Malava seat,” Khalwale told residents at a public meeting.
“All the aspirants who are seeking this seat are our sons. It doesn’t matter who wins but we don’t need an outsider running up and down, telling us who to vote for.
“I will not interfere. I will let you decide and you give me your choice, and I will show him where Malulu [Injendi] left.”
There have been claims of bias and favouritism in UDA primaries, with Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula alleging the bigwigs in the ruling party are favouring some candidates.
Meanwhile, Mudavadi has unleashed the incumbency card, telling residents they would benefit more by electing a candidate whose party is in government.
“The ship is now getting bigger. We need to all be inside the government for faster development,” Mudavadi said.
“The people of Malava and the Western region cannot be left behind. We must find a comfortable seat in government.”
The Prime CS last Friday told residents the ruling party was better placed to deliver development projects and address the needs of the constituency as the President has stood firm with the people of Malava.
He dismissed DCP, whose deputy leader is Cleophas Malala from Kakamega, saying the party has no structures and influence.
“Now this party that has just arrived, calling itself DCP, it is not even a parliamentary party. It doesn’t even have a representative right now. Why do they want to do their experiment with the people of Malava?” Mudavadi asked.
DCP leader Gachagua last week cut short his US trip and returned to lead campaigns in the by-elections.
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