Malava MP race tightens as renowned lawyer officially declares bid

The race for the vacant position of Member of Parliament (MP) for Malava constituency has intensified following the entry of a renowned lawyer and philanthropist.

So far, a number of hopefuls including Nairobi based Advocate Edgar Busiega, unionist Seth Panyako and Nelson Taliti among others have declared their respective interests to succeed the late Moses Malulu Injendi.

However, it is the official declaration by Mombasa-based Advocate of the High Court Leonard Shimaka that has rattled the political matrix of the constituency.

The soft spoken Leonard Shimaka enters the race with a major boost of having been involved in the local political formation for years, strategising and eventually emerging victorious with political big wigs in the larger Kakamega County.

Mr Shimaka has been the silent political strategist behind the political successes of some bigwigs like former Kakamega Governor and now Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Wycliffe Oparanya and the incumbent Fernandes Barasa.

Besides his grasp of regional politics, Shimaka is a political force in Malava politics and his official entry has disrupted the formations that had started taking place especially clan-based ones.

Coming from the larger Abashu clan, Shimaka has the benefit of easily winning their support as he has been a constant philanthropist, always present in both times of need and celebrations.

Coupled with his impressive public appeal to the local residents, Shimaka has the largest following in South Kabras compared to any other hopeful.

South Kabras is seen as one of the most pivotal blocs in Malava politics and its support is crucial for any candidate.

Clans play a major role in Malava politics and him being of the Abashu extraction gives him the much needed home support and can easily trounce any of the clan’s kin of is eyeing the MP’s seat.

At the same time, he has the ability to mobiles resources to oil his campaign and easily crisscross the Constituency to convince the residents to pour their support behind his bid.

His large and influential political networks across the constituency gives him a good starting point as it is easy to connect with the locals unlike his competitors who have to start from scratch.