By Faith Anene, Kakamega
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Malava by-election ticket losers have conceded defeat and pledged to support the government in securing the parliamentary seat.
Simon Kangwana and Leonard Shimaka said they had accepted the outcome of the party nominations, which saw David Ndakwa emerge winner in what they described as a free and fair contest.
The two aspirants made the announcement during a thanksgiving ceremony at Kangwana’s home, which was graced by Presidential aide Farouk Kibet. They expressed their commitment to rally behind Ndakwa in the November by-election and to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Kibet praised the duo for their spirited campaigns, promising that they and their supporters would be included in the UDA administration once the party secures the Malava seat and the presidency for a second term.
Kangwana, who had retired early from teaching to contest the seat left vacant by the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi, said remaining in UDA was the best decision for him and his supporters.
“Going independent or joining the Opposition would be too costly and counterproductive. I urge the government to ensure my supporters are considered as we head into the November polls,” he said.
He recounted how the death of Injendi prompted residents to push him into politics.
“I had nine years left before retiring as chief principal, but when Injendi passed away, locals persuaded me to fill the gap. I campaigned for seven months but lost to my colleague Ndakwa during the nominations,” he said.
Kangwana lauded the government’s Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA), saying it had delivered tangible benefits such as improved access to resources and farm inputs.
The teachers’ fraternity, led by sub-county KNUT chairman Simon Sindani Ondeyo, assured Kangwana and the UDA leadership of their full support.
“Kangwana is one of us. His main backing has come from teachers, and we trust the government will not only involve him but also cater for his supporters as they rally behind the UDA candidate,” Ondeyo said.
Shimaka, on his part, said although he lost, he remained committed to campaigning for the government. “We put our best foot forward but luck was not on our side. I will continue working with UDA to bring development to Malava,” he said, announcing he would host his own thanksgiving ceremony on Friday.
Farouk Kibet assured the aspirants of government recognition, saying their efforts had not gone unnoticed. He added that President Ruto would continue to initiate development projects in Malava as a show of gratitude for the region’s support during the last general election.
“The President is keen on returning the favour to Malava. We will deliver development, and I urge you to reject divisive politics. The Opposition has only pitched tent here to criticise the government without offering any meaningful solutions,” Kibet said.
He cautioned residents against falling for tribal politics and urged them to back Ndakwa to secure the constituency for UDA.
“Between an already established party like UDA delivering development and an Opposition still in its teething stage, which one would you choose in your right mind?” he posed.
Kibet affirmed that Kangwana and Shimaka would be incorporated into government roles, noting their contribution to UDA’s strength in the constituency.
