Joab Burudi Manyasi has joined newly formed Democrats National Alliance (DNA) party after dumping wrangling Democratic Action Party of Kenya(DAP-K).

Manyasi’s decision comes following wrangles at the top leadership of the Eugene Wamalwa-led party that have led to a near mass exodus of strong founding members.

So fierce is the fight in the party that it has lost trust among locals after the a section of the top brass indicated it could hand a direct ticket to the Kenya National Union of Nurses (Knun) Secretary General Seth Panyako.

Manyasi will be giving a third stab for the position which he first contested in the year 2017, coming second on a Ford-Kenya ticket, and in 2022, he came third on an Orange Democratic Alliance party.

In a ceremony witnessed by the party leader Godfrey Kanoti and secretary General Barrack Muluka held in Nairobi, Manyasi expressed confidence that he will emerge victorious in the upcoming by-election to fill the seat that fell vacant following the death of then MP Moses Injendi Malulu.

“We are offering not just a candidate, but a movement,” said Godfrey Kanoti, Party Leader of DNA. “Hon. Manyasi embodies the values of our party. We believe the people of Malava are ready for a new chapter of leadership that puts their aspirations at the heart of governance.”

So far, there are a number of candidates who have been assured of party tickets among them Benjamin Nalwa who will fly the National Economic Development Party and Caleb Sunguti who is the Roots Party flag bearer.

Advocate Edgar Busiega, who was the favourite of DAP-K has bagged DCP’s ticket, Samuel Tsimbwela we Sukari has UDP’s ticket.

It is not clear whether Panyako will face off in nominations with lawyer Lewis Shitanda as another hopeful, Enock Makanga has already bolted out in what is seen as a protest about open favouritism.

The United Democratic Alliance party is yet to agree on a flag bearer even as more than five candidates face off in nominations.

Among those eyeing the ticket are former principals of high school Simon Kangwana and Enock Andanje.

Others are Leonard Shimaka, West Kabras MCA David Ndakwa and the son to the late MP Rhyan Injendi.