Interdenominational Prayers for Malava UDA Candidate
Church leaders from Uasin Gishu county organized interdenominational prayers for David Ndakwa, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate for the Malava parliamentary seat. The event took place at Chepsaita in Turbo, an area that borders Malava, and was held as a gesture of neighbourliness and political solidarity between communities in the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.
The prayers were aimed at blessing Ndakwa’s bid ahead of the November 27 by-election. This election is a fresh contest following the nullification of the 2022 election results, which left the Malava parliamentary seat vacant. The race has attracted nine candidates, with Ndakwa facing his main challenger, Seth Panyako of DAP-K, who is running under the banner of the United Opposition coalition.
The competition is seen as a battle between the governing Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the opposition, with both sides viewing Malava as a strategic entry point into the larger Kakamega voting bloc. Ndakwa expressed confidence in his chances of winning, stating that his opponents lack a clear development agenda for the constituency.
“I will defeat my opponents early on November 27 so that we can immediately start working with the government to develop Malava,” he said.
The event was attended by President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, MPs from Western and Rift Valley, and other UDA leaders. These figures urged Malava voters to support Ndakwa, emphasizing that his victory would strengthen political cooperation between the two regions.
Ndakwa thanked President Ruto, Farouk, and the MPs for their campaign support, highlighting the importance of teamwork in achieving victory. He will face eight other contestants, including Panyako, who has promised to rally the opposition vote and position Malava as a frontline constituency resisting government influence.
Additional Events and Political Statements
The gathering also included prayers and the dedication of the venue for the December 6 Great Chepsaita Cross Country race, where Farouk serves as patron. During the event, Farouk praised leaders from Western Kenya who are backing President Ruto and rejected what he called “tribal political camps” in the opposition.
“We have many good leaders in Western like Bishop Khamala and Wangwe who have refused to join tribal groupings and are supporting President Ruto,” said Farouk.
Khamala highlighted Ruto’s development record in Western Kenya, noting that it has shifted political attitudes. “If you go to Kakamega now, many residents are talking about two terms for Ruto,” he said.
Farouk also encouraged Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) and warned officials against mismanaging health funds. He criticized the state of some Uasin Gishu hospitals, stating that residents should not lack essential drugs when the health fund is well resourced.
Khamala closed the meeting by leading residents in chanting the “two terms” slogan in support of President Ruto.