“We Won’t Survive on Opposition Noise”: Ruto Camp Gains Ground as Malava Leaders Back UDA’s Ndakwa

UDA candidate David Ndakwa has received a big boost in the Malava MP race. Several opposition leaders have crossed party lines to back him. The move, just weeks before the November 27 by-election, has shaken up the region’s politics.

Kakamega deputy governor and DAP-K deputy leader Ayub Savula led the defection. He ditched his party’s candidate, Seth Panyako, and pledged full support for Ndakwa. Savula said staying in opposition would block development in Malava.

“I’m the deputy leader of DAP-K, but I see no future here,” Savula said. “This constituency has never been in the opposition. I’m now campaigning for Ndakwa so Malava stays where development flows.”

Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali also backed the move. He urged residents to reject tribal politics and embrace unity. “Let’s move forward together. Let’s stop divisive politics,” he said.

The leaders made their announcement during rallies in Man’guliro, Shivikhwa, and Fubuye. Crowds cheered as they declared support for Ndakwa. The shift signaled a growing wave of backing for UDA in the region.

Savula defended his decision. He said it was not betrayal but a step toward progress. “We are aligning with the government for our people’s sake,” he explained.

Ndakwa welcomed the support. He said it proved Malava wanted to work with the government. “We won’t survive on opposition noise,” he told residents. “Development comes from being in government, not from shouting across the fence.”

President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, also attended the rallies. He promised that government projects would soon begin in the area.

With the by-election nearing, Ndakwa’s support base is growing fast. The defections have turned the contest into a test of UDA’s power in Western Kenya and a sign that political loyalties are shifting.