Ruto’s UDA in frantic search for Malava MP candidate

The search for a strong United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party candidate for the vacant Malava constituency seat is now in high gear.

Led by President William Ruto’s aide Faruk Kibet, the party invited all Members of County Assembly from the constituency to a crucial meeting at Masaai Mara Lodge to agree on who should be picked.

The leaders who were treated to a two-day stay at the Lodge, and each pocketing at least KSh500,000 as allowance on return, are considering fronting one of their own with two names emerging as possible contestants.

West Kabras MCA, who is also the Minority Leader David Ndakwa and his Butali/Chegulo counterpart Kevin Mahelo have emerged as favourites.

They are supposed to agree on who should support the other.

The two are serving a second term at the County Assembly, and while Ndakwa was elected on the Amani National Congress (ANC) party, Mahelo was elected on the United Democratic Alliance(UDA) party.

In the meeting that was attended by nine MCAs among them two nominated Truphena Asembo and Darphine Masinza, names of other individuals came up to be considered.

However, Mahelo was of the opinion that Mombasa based lawyer Leornard Shimaka be put on the list of those to be considered even as himself still wants to be considered.

It is claimed he had been well oiled by Shimaka.

Others who have shown interest to run on the party ticket include Bungoma High School principal Enock Andanje, the late MP’s son Rhyan Injendi, Kivaywa High School principal Simon Kangwana and Commissioner of police Nelson Shilunji Taliti.

The area seems to be inclined towards the opposition, and the government -sponsored candidate may need a lot of work.

Whoever wins the UDA ticket is set to face a stiff competition from youthful politician Edgar Busiega who has taken the area by storm and amassing huge support from the younger voters.

Busiega enters the race as a new crop of leadership with fresh ideas to turn around the fortunes and face of the constituency.

Those said to be going for opposition party ticket and in this case Democratic Action party of Kenya (DAP-K) include Edgar Busiega, security expert Enock Makanga and politician Caleb Burudi.

Also, the Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako, who recently resigned from the ruling United Democratic Alliance party where he was an official, is said to be headed to the DAP-K party.

During the burial of the late mp,a clear message was sent indicating that the Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya team will face-off with the president William Ruto’s brigade in the by-election likely to be held before the end of this year.

On the other hand, the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya party is likely to field politician Joab Manyasi.