Two United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants who lost in the Malava Constituency primaries have secured government appointments to diplomatic roles in Uganda and South Africa, just days before voters head to the polls for the Malava by-election. The move has injected new political energy into the closing stretch of the campaign.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi announced on Monday that Simon Kangwana will now serve as the Education Attaché at Kenya’s Mission in Uganda, while Rhyan Injendi Malulu has been appointed Trade Attaché at the Kenyan Embassy in South Africa. Their appointments follow President William Ruto’s earlier promise to reward three aspirants who agreed to step down and support UDA’s by-election candidate, David Ndakwa.
Ndakwa is set to fly the UDA flag when voters cast their ballots on Thursday. The third aspirant, Leonard Shimaka, received his appointment last month when he was named a Commissioner at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for a three-year term.
During the announcement ceremony, Mudavadi invited Kangwana and Malulu to the stage, where he read out their appointment letters from his phone. The moment sparked loud cheers, whistles, and a standing ovation from jubilant supporters. The crowd flashed UDA’s signature two-finger salute and belted out the party’s familiar two-terms chant, turning the event into a full-blown celebration.
Mudavadi urged Malava residents to uphold their end of the political bargain by voting for the ruling party’s candidate. He reminded the constituents that President Ruto had kept his word, not only to the aspirants but also in delivering ongoing development projects within the area.
“The president has kept his word on the UDA aspirants and the development projects currently ongoing in Malava. I ask you to be honourable like you have always been and vote for the UDA candidate,” Mudavadi said during the rally at Malava Primary School, held on the final day of campaigning.
The PCS argued that electing an MP aligned with the ruling party would give Malava an advantage in accessing government services and unlocking more development opportunities.
“An MP from the ruling party easily accesses government services because of proximity to the President and the government functionaries. The late MP Malulu Injendi left you in government; ensure that you stay inside,” he said.
Mudavadi contrasted the conduct of the two main candidates, praising Ndakwa’s calm campaign and criticizing the opposition contender’s approach. “The difference between the UDA candidate and that from the opposition is like night and day. Our candidate has sold his manifesto peacefully and with decorum, while his opponent has been abusive and chaotic,” he said.
Sunday’s surprise withdrawal of Joab Burudi Manyasi, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate, further reshaped the race. Manyasi endorsed Ndakwa, a move Mudavadi described as a powerful show of unity.
“This decision is not a sign of weakness from our brother Manyasi, but a sign of strength that demonstrates unity of purpose from a leader who is pragmatic and who has always put the interests of the people of Malava first,” he said.
Mudavadi expressed confidence that Manyasi’s support has boosted UDA’s momentum heading into Thursday’s vote.
“Victory is indeed coming. The people of Malava Constituency have resolved not to gamble with their votes and know where to place their bet on Thursday, November 27,” he said.
