Malava politicians scramble for parties, plot clan politics
Even before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is put in place and a by election called for Malava Constituency, there is heightened political activity with politicians now scrambling for political parties to bag tickets.
The seat fell vacant following the death of area MP Moses Malulu Injendi in February 2025.
Notably, clan endorsements are already taking place, with the most recent being that of Nelson Taliti, who was endorsed as the sole candidate for the Abashu to face others in the election.
Taliti’s endorsement ended speculations that West Kabras ward MCA, who is also the Kakamega County Assembly Leader of Minority, David Ndakwa and Mombasa based lawyer Leornard Shimaka would vie.
Abatovo clan has endorsed Bungoma High School principal Enock Andanje putting the candidature of the Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako in limbo.
The Abatali clan are yet to agree on who will be their flag bearer between Kivaywa High School principal Simon Kangwana, lawyer Lewis Shitanda and former Malava Boys High School principal Daniel Mwachi.
On the other side, the Abasonje clan has only one candidate, Lawyer and Advocate of the High Court Edgar Busiega, who is likely to be endorsed unopposed.
Busiega, has made significant inroads and positioned himself as the favourite of the people, especially the youths.
During the burial ceremony of Malulu, Busiega walked out boldly after President William Ruto refused to endorse a son of the late MP as he had been being pushed by a section of leaders.
Bungoma Governor on his side, looked like supporting the youthful politician after he said that Malava residents have always been wise in picking their leadership, going for the little known but with great ambitions for them.
READ ALSO: Ruto’s tactical move that has placed youthful politician ahead of Malava MP hopefuls
Others who have shown interest are politicians Caleb Sunguti, Caleb Burudi, and Benjamin Nalwa.
While Injendi was elected on the then Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi-led Amani Nation Congress (ANC), the constituency seems to be slowly inclining towards the opposition parties.
Candidates who are likely to bag tickets from parties aligned to Kenya Kwanza will possibly face stiff competition and even have it rough convincing the locals.
They will need to dig deeper into their pockets to mount massive campaigns.
Those said to be courting the president William Ruto led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket include Butali/Chegulo MCA Kevin Mahelo who is, however, seen as light weight in the race.
Mahelo was first elected to the Kakamega Assembly in 2017 on the Jubilee Party ticket and later on UDA in the 2022 elections.
Panyako, whose name is featuring as a pro-government choice, will also be giving it a second trial after he lost to the late MP in the last elections.
He contested on the United Democratic Alliance party ticket, having decamped from the Orange Democratic Movement party where he sought to become Kakamega senator in the year 2017, losing it to Cleophas Malala.
Busiega on his part is aligning with the opposition and is likely to be the flag bearer of the former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa-led Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K) after against Caleb Burudi.
However, in as much as party’s play a role in the elections, Malava’s politics are highly clan-based.
The Abashu are the most populous and should Taliti play his cards well, he could be a surprise force.
