David Ndakwa is the new Member of Parliament for Malava, sealing a fiercely contested race that kept the constituency on edge until the very last tally. The first-time UDA candidate edged out his closest rival, DAP-K’s Seth Panyako, in an outcome that underscored just how tight and emotionally charged the by-election had been.
According to Returning Officer Salim Abdala, Ndakwa secured 21,564 votes, narrowly beating Panyako who finished with 20,210 votes. The rest of the field trailed significantly, with Wilberforce Tuvei of the Kenya Moja Movement managing 626 votes, Shivakale Jason posting 390, James Angatia 243, Ben Nalwa 215, Edgar Busiega (DCP) 209, George Ngaira 148, and Joab Manyasi 70.
The by-election followed the death of former MP Malulu Injendi earlier this year, a loss that still hangs heavy over Malava’s political landscape.
Stepping into a seat filled with both expectations and unfinished work, Ndakwa struck a tone of continuity, pledging to pick up exactly where the late Injendi left off.
“We must complete what was started before we chart a new path,” he told residents shortly after receiving his certificate, positioning himself as the custodian of Injendi’s development agenda. He also thanked President William Ruto and the UDA leadership for entrusting him with the party’s flag, saying their confidence fueled his determination.
Throughout the campaigns often turbulent and marked by tensions across the constituency Ndakwa maintained an almost stoic calm. He repeatedly urged his supporters to avoid confrontation, even as he acknowledged being provoked on several occasions.
“I chose peace. I told my team not to react, no matter what,” he said after voting, attributing his win to issue-based grassroots engagements carried out over weeks.
Ndakwa insisted that his message resonated with voters because it was anchored on local priorities and realistic development promises.
“The journey has been tough, but we pushed through. I believe we connected with every voter we met,” he added, urging Malava residents to stay alert and resist any form of intimidation or manipulation going forward.
With the dust now settling on one of the most intense by-elections of the year, Malava prepares to usher in a new chapter one Ndakwa says will be defined by stability, continuity, and a commitment to finishing what was started.
