Malava, Kakamega County – President William Ruto has scored a major political victory after several opposition leaders publicly declared their support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election.
The endorsement, seen as a sign of shifting political loyalties in Western Kenya, gives Ruto’s party a strong advantage in a region long considered an opposition stronghold.
🇰🇪 A Major Boost for UDA in Western Kenya
During a campaign rally on Sunday, top leaders from rival parties — including former allies of Azimio la Umoja — joined the UDA caravan in Malava town. The leaders cited Ruto’s development agenda and economic focus as key reasons for their defection.
Among them were local figures previously aligned with ODM and ANC, who said the region must “work with the government of the day” to attract resources and projects.
“We have seen the President deliver on roads, housing, and jobs. It’s time we support him fully by voting for the UDA candidate,” said Hon. Joseph Mukwana, a former ODM branch official.
The UDA candidate, whose campaign has centered on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), has gained significant traction as the party intensifies its grassroots mobilization efforts across Western Kenya.
🗳️ Political Realignment Underway
Analysts say the Malava race could mark the start of a political realignment in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 general election.
“What’s happening in Malava is symbolic. The UDA is testing its penetration in a region that has traditionally supported Raila Odinga,” explained political analyst Dr. Peter Okoth.
Dr. Okoth added that the backing from opposition leaders sends a message that political survival in Kenya increasingly depends on aligning with the ruling coalition.
UDA strategists believe a win in Malava will strengthen the party’s image as a national movement capable of transcending ethnic and regional lines.
🤝 Opposition Figures Join the Ranks
The list of opposition figures now backing the UDA candidate continues to grow.
Former ANC county coordinator Paul Wekesa, ODM youth leader Sharon Nabwire, and several local MCA aspirants were among those who joined the President’s camp during the rally.
“Politics is about development, not division. We have decided to work with the President because he has shown commitment to improving people’s lives,” Nabwire told the crowd.
Their move was met with cheers from residents who welcomed what they described as a “unity wave” sweeping through the county.
💬 UDA’s Strategy: Unity, Development, and Delivery
The President’s allies say the UDA’s message of economic inclusion and youth empowerment is resonating strongly at the grassroots level.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who hails from Kakamega County, said the by-election is a “litmus test” for Ruto’s influence in the region.
“This is our home turf. The people of Malava know that when you work with government, development follows,” Malala said, urging locals to turn out in large numbers.
UDA has pledged to prioritize projects such as feeder road rehabilitation, education bursaries, and new markets for farmers in Malava, which relies heavily on sugarcane and maize farming.
⚖️ Azimio Leaders React
While some opposition leaders have shifted camp, senior figures in Azimio la Umoja have dismissed the defections as “political opportunism.”
A section of ODM lawmakers accused the UDA of “using development promises to lure local leaders.”
“Our party remains strong. These are individuals chasing personal gain, not serving the will of the people,” said Kakamega Senator Brian Lijodi.
Despite this pushback, political observers note that Azimio faces internal divisions following last year’s leadership wrangles and the ongoing restructuring of its grassroots organs.
🔍 Why Malava Matters
The Malava constituency is viewed as a key swing zone in Western politics. It has previously voted for both ODM and ANC candidates, making it an important test of Ruto’s Western strategy.
A UDA victory would not only give the ruling party control of another parliamentary seat but also signal its growing influence in areas previously dominated by the opposition.
“Winning Malava would solidify UDA’s Western Kenya presence and weaken the opposition’s claim of regional dominance,” said Dr. Okoth.
📈 The Bigger Picture Ahead of 2027
With the 2027 general election already in sight, the Malava contest could provide an early indicator of Ruto’s re-election prospects.
If the UDA secures the seat, it will embolden the party’s strategy of consolidating support in Western, Coast, and Mt. Kenya regions — the same pillars that delivered victory in 2022.
The President’s team is also counting on continued infrastructure projects and youth programs under the BETA plan to maintain momentum nationwide.
🕊️ Conclusion: A Symbolic Win for Ruto
As campaign fever intensifies, the Malava by-election is shaping up to be more than just a local race — it’s a symbolic battle for influence in one of Kenya’s most competitive political regions.
For President William Ruto, the growing number of opposition leaders endorsing the UDA candidate is a clear validation of his development-first approach and political outreach strategy.
If UDA clinches victory, it could mark the beginning of a new political order in Western Kenya — one where party loyalty yields to practical partnerships and shared progress.
