New Twist as DAP-K Deputy Party Leader Endorses UDA Candidate in By-Election

Politics in Kakamega County has taken a dramatic turn after Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who also serves as the Deputy Party Leader of the Democratic Alliance Party–Kenya (DAP-K), openly backed David Ndakwa, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the Malava parliamentary by-election.

The by-election, set for November 27, has been heating up with intense rivalry between DAP-K’s Seth Panyako and UDA’s David Ndakwa. 

Savula’s move came as a shock to many within his party, as it happened less than three weeks to the vote.

Speaking during a meeting attended by UDA officials, Savula said Ndakwa represented “development, unity, and a fresh start for Malava.” 

His endorsement is now being viewed as a major political shift in Kakamega, a county that has long been seen as a DAP-K and ODM stronghold.

“Politics is not about parties alone. It’s about leadership and results. Ndakwa is young, focused, and ready to serve,” Savula reportedly told a crowd of supporters.

The move has thrown DAP-K’s campaign team into confusion. Party loyalists led by Eugene Wamalwa and Seth Panyako have accused Savula of betrayal, saying he has gone against party values.

At the same time, UDA leaders have celebrated the endorsement, describing it as proof that the people of Western Kenya are slowly embracing President William Ruto’s bottom-up agenda.

However, not everyone is crossing over. UDA’s own Senator Boni Khalwale has surprised many by declaring his support for Panyako, a rival candidate from DAP-K. 

He claims his decision is a protest against Ruto’s failure to support the family of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi, whose son was denied the UDA ticket.

Khalwale said it was unfair for the government to favor other families of deceased leaders while ignoring the Injendi family, calling it “selective compassion.”

Meanwhile, other smaller party candidates have stepped down in favor of Panyako, hoping to unite the opposition vote.