UDA could potentially secure victory in the Malava by-election thanks to Farouk Kibet's hard work
The Malava Constituency by-election, scheduled for November 27, 2025, is set to be a hotly contested race. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has taken the lead in the campaign, with key figures such as Farouk Kibet spearheading the efforts.
The UDA's nomination campaigns for the Malava Constituency by-election began last week. Farouk Kibet, a prominent figure in UDA's Malava campaign, is successfully uniting Luhya leaders, which could give UDA an advantage in the by-election. His closeness to the President, personal touch, and combination of persuasion with firmness are also contributing factors.
Farouk Kibet's fluency in the local Kabras language is beneficial for UDA's campaign in Malava. This, coupled with his ability to bring Luhya MPs together for jovial dances, is seen as a sign of friendship and unity.
The UDA's candidate in the by-election is Udidoh John, who was supported by Farouk Kibet. John's nomination has kept ODM out of the race, potentially clearing the way for UDA. However, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) is experiencing internal infighting between its party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Deputy Party leader, George Natembeya. This distraction could impact DAP's focus on the Malava by-election.
The Malava Constituency has been without a Member of Parliament since the death of Malulu Injendi in February this year. The by-election will test UDA's popularity against Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party and Eugene Wamalwa's Democratic Action Party.
Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party is perceived as a tribal party, which may be a disadvantage due to the long-held distrust between the Luhya and Kikuyu tribes. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is heavily involved in UDA's campaign for the Malava by-election.
Political parties have until September 17, 2025, to name their candidates for the by-elections. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced the date of all pending by-elections as November 27, 2025.
One unfortunate incident during the campaign was the collapse and subsequent death of one of the five UDA contestants, Enock Andanje, on his way to a meeting at Bulupi Primary School, Malava. Despite this setback, UDA remains optimistic about their chances in the Malava by-election.
As the campaign heats up, the race for the Malava Constituency seat is shaping up to be an exciting and closely contested election.
