Kakamega – The race for Malava parliamentary seat took a surprising turn on Sunday, November 23, when one of the leading candidates decided to quit the contest, giving United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa a significant advantage.
Joab Burudi Manyasi, who had been running under the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), announced that he was stepping down in favor of Ndakwa.
Speaking to the media, Manyasi said his decision was motivated by the larger interest of Malava residents and the need for unity ahead of the November 27 by-election.
“As a team player, when the coach tells you to be on the bench, you obey. Right now, I am on the bench, but I assure my supporters that they remain my people today, tomorrow, and always,” Manyasi stated.
“As a team player, when the coach tells you to be on the bench, you obey. Right now, I am on the bench, but I assure my supporters that they remain my people today, tomorrow, and always,” Manyasi stated.
He added that his followers would now help strengthen Ndakwa’s support in his own strongholds, signaling a major shift in the voter landscape.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who played a key role in brokering the deal, praised Manyasi for what he called a courageous and selfless act.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who played a key role in brokering the deal, praised Manyasi for what he called a courageous and selfless act.
“This is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Manyasi has shown unity of purpose and a commitment to the people of Malava,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi noted that the endorsement gives Ndakwa a strong boost in the by-election.
Mudavadi noted that the endorsement gives Ndakwa a strong boost in the by-election.
“Victory is indeed coming. The people of Malava Constituency have decided not to gamble with their votes and know where to place their bet on Thursday, November 27,” he declared.
Several leaders attended the announcement, including UDA Vice Chairman Kelvin Lunani, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Senator Jackson Mandago, MPs Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Joseph Hamisi Denar (Nominated), and former Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali. Their presence underscored the political significance of Manyasi’s withdrawal.
The Malava seat was expected to be highly competitive. Manyasi’s exit is likely to reshape voter dynamics, giving Ndakwa a clear advantage in what was previously a tight race.
Meanwhile, the main rival, Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), remains in the race.
Several leaders attended the announcement, including UDA Vice Chairman Kelvin Lunani, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Senator Jackson Mandago, MPs Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Joseph Hamisi Denar (Nominated), and former Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali. Their presence underscored the political significance of Manyasi’s withdrawal.
The Malava seat was expected to be highly competitive. Manyasi’s exit is likely to reshape voter dynamics, giving Ndakwa a clear advantage in what was previously a tight race.
Meanwhile, the main rival, Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), remains in the race.
An opinion poll by Mizani Africa, conducted between November 13 and 15 among 700 respondents, had earlier shown Panyako leading with a popularity rating of 47.2%, while Ndakwa trailed with 40.3%. Manyasi’s support is expected to swing the numbers in Ndakwa’s favor.
Political analysts say that endorsements like Manyasi’s can have a big impact in by-elections, especially in constituencies where the electorate is closely divided.
Political analysts say that endorsements like Manyasi’s can have a big impact in by-elections, especially in constituencies where the electorate is closely divided.
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