The race to replace the late Malava Member of Parliament, Malulu Injendi, is already heating up ahead of the November 27 by-election.

According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), political parties must conclude their primaries by September 20.

Already, several parties have already moved to identify their flagbearers with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) settling on Edgar Busiega, who is emerging as a strong frontrunner in the contest.

Busiega is the only one among many aspirants who has a definite party and clear outlook of his campaign and manifesto.

The Roots Party was first out of the gate, handing its ticket to former Kenya School of Government lecturer Caleb Sunguti.

Meanwhile, questions linger in the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), led by Eugene Wamalwa, on whether it will conduct nominations or yield to pressure from Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako, who is seeking a direct ticket.

Other hopefuls in DAP-K include politician Caleb Burudi and lawyer Lewis Shitanda.

On the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) side, the picture is less clear, with four aspirants jostling for its ticket.

Among them are West Kabras Ward MCA David Ndakwa, Rhyan Injendi (son of the late MP), former high school principal Simon Kangwana, and Mombasa-based lawyer Leonard Shimaka.

It remains uncertain whether UDA will conduct primaries or settle the matter through consensus.

Another strong candidate who had shaken the other UDA hopefuls was Dr Enock Andanje, who unfortunately died under mysterious circumstances days ago.

Despite the uncertainty in the ruling camp, youthful lawyer Busiega has captured public attention with his vibrant campaign across Malava.

At 37, he has positioned himself as a reform-minded candidate, pledging to prioritise infrastructure development, equitable access to education, and better pay for cane farmers.

“Farmers are the backbone of our economy, yet they continue to be exploited by millers,” Busiega has emphasised in his campaigns.

He has also questioned why farmers should bear tax burdens while providing the raw materials that sustain the sugar industry.

Within UDA, Shimaka is viewed as a strong contender capable of taking on the opposition.

But a potential “third force” has also emerged in the candidature of Tuvei Wilberforce, who is yet to declare his political vehicle.

Despite that, his well-organised grassroots campaigns and backing from the populous Abashuu sub-clan of the Kabras community have quickly made him a force to watch.

As the clock ticks toward September party primaries, the battle lines in Malava are becoming clearer with Busiega, Shimaka, Panyako, and Tuvei shaping up as the names likely to dominate headlines in the days ahead.