The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially declared support for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025. 

Kakamega Governor and ODM County Chairperson Fernandes Barasa made the announcement on Monday, stating that the party would not field a candidate in the race. 

“We, as members of ODM, because we support a broad-based government, have decided not to present a candidate in Malava. We are backing the candidate of the broad-based team, David Ndakwa,” said Barasa. 

He added, “We will put all our energy here to ensure the people of Malava elect Hon. Ndakwa, who will complete the projects of Hon. Malulu. When 2027 comes, the strategy will be the same.” 

Barasa said the decision was made in the spirit of unity and service to the people of Malava. 

 He explained that ODM had placed the interests of residents above party competition after consultations. 

“As a party, we chose to prioritise the people’s needs over political rivalry. After wide consultations, we believe David Ndakwa is the most suitable candidate to bring real change to Malava Constituency,” Barasa stated. 

He further clarified that the endorsement should not be seen as a betrayal of the party, but rather a move aimed at ensuring Malava gets proper representation in Parliament. 

“This is not about political parties. It’s about leadership and service delivery. Ndakwa has demonstrated a clear development agenda, and we want to give him a chance to deliver,” he said. 

The ODM leadership in Kakamega urged its supporters in Malava to fully support Ndakwa. Barasa assured the candidate of local mobilisation and campaign backing. 

This declaration marks a rare show of political cooperation between ODM and UDA and may point to changing political dynamics in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 general election. 

David Ndakwa was recently announced as the UDA nominee after receiving 6,477 votes in the party primaries. His closest competitor, Ryan Injendi, garnered 3,783 votes. 

Ndakwa will face Seth Panyako of DAP-K, Edgar Busiega of DCP, Wilberforce Tuvei of Kenya Moja, and Joab Manyasi of DNA in the by-election. 

The Malava seat felt vacant following the death of MP Malulu Injendi earlier this year.  

The by-election is expected to be a high-stakes contest, with its outcome likely to shape the political balance in the region ahead of the 2027 polls.