Malava warms up to Ruto goodies, gives Opposition wide berth

The sustained forays in Malava Constituency by top United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party have now started paying off.

Led by President William Ruto’s Personal Assistant (PA) Farouk Kibet, Leader of Majority in Parliament Kimani Ichungwah, Higher Education PS Dr Beatrice Inyangala among other top party honchos, the face of the party has started taking shape.

At the moment, there’s heightened political activity in the populous constituency following the death of MP Moses Malulu Injendi triggering a by-election expected before the end of the year.

The late Malulu was allied to the government through the now defunct Amani National Congress (ANC) of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and was a close and strong ally of President Ruto from Kakamega County.

Since the demise of the area MP, UDA has sustained its presence in the area and stamping its authority as the preferred party and wants to retain the seat.

Already, efforts by the party have started to pay-off as residents have come out to declare their support for the party and want nominations to be held immediately for them to know their candidate form a growing rich list of bigwigs.

Those salivating at the governing party’s ticket include Advocate of the High Court Leonard Shimaka, teachers Enock Andanje and Simon Kangwana, senior police officer Nelson Shilinju Taliti, West Kabras MCA and Minority Leader at the Kakamega County Assembly David Ndakwa and Rhyan Injendi, the former MP’s son among other top names.

Malava residents say that they are happy with the efforts bby the UDA party of empowering them through support of self-help groups drawn from the youths, women, SMEs, Widows, churches and Boda Boda.

Already, the UDA leadership has held successful fundraiser events in Samitsi, Kimang eti, Chevoso and another one is set for Matsakha in Butali/Chegulo ward.

The changing tide was visible in Chevoso when Shimaka led the electorate in declaring support for the reelection of President Ruto in 2027.

“We have been enjoying goodies from the government and it is in public domain that we are close and right at the centre of the Kenya Kwanza administration in matters development and to reciprocate, we should direct our support to ensuring Willam Ruto serves his second term as President of this Republic so that we get more development,” Shimaka rallied the locals.

The locals did not disappoint as they roared back in support of the declaration.

Evidently, UDA seems to have swallowed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with County boss Governor Fernandes Barasa heaping praises on the Kenya Kwanza administration.

During the recent Chevoso event, Governor Barasa did not mince his words when he rallied the locals to support the Kenya Kwanza administration explaining that President Ruto had done amazing work for the people of Kakamega.

During the event, Governor Barasa would be seen consulting Farouk from time to time as they followed proceedings of the day.

Other parties that have candidates include Professor George Wajackoyah’s Roots Party whose flag bearer is Mr Caleb Sunguti while Eugene Wamalwa-led DAP-K is yet to settle on a candidate.

Politician Benjamin Nalwa will be flying the National Economic Development party ticket while former Malava Boys High School principal Daniel Mwachi is said to be considering running as an independent candidate.

Samuel Tsimbwela, commonly referred to as Tsimbwela we Sukari has already picked former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo’s United Democratic Party (UDP) party as his vehicle.

A recent attempt by former embattled deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party to make inroads in the county were thwarted as they met an already ‘UDAfied’ masses.

Gachagua’s deputy, Cleophas Malalah, saw fire as he was forced to sprint and find solace at a funeral after hired attendees demanded for their pay yet there was no money.