Mudavadi rallies religious leaders to boost UDA's Malava by-election campaigns

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during Bastille Day celebrations at the French Embassy, Peponi Gardens, Nairobi, on 14 July 2025. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has expanded his campaign strategy by enlisting the support of religious leaders from Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, in a bid to secure victory in the forthcoming by-election scheduled for November.

Mudavadi, who has been tasked with spearheading the United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) campaign in Malava to retain the parliamentary seat left vacant after the death of MP Malulu Injendi, said that religious leaders and women will be the key pillar in his move to reclaim the seat.

Speaking in Nairobi during a meeting with a delegation of more than 40 religious and interfaith leaders at his office, Mudavadi pledged to work closely with the electorate to ensure they choose a leader who will continue the late MP’s legacy.

The delegation was led by Bishop Elly Taliti, Chairman of the Malava Interfaith Council, Rev Fr Vincent Sanga, Secretary, and Ms Asha Juma, the SUPKEM women’s representative in Kakamega.

Mudavadi urged the leaders to guide Malava residents in making a wise and informed decision in the by-election set for November 27, 2025.

“It is important for political leaders to have candid conversations with religious leaders. The IEBC has announced the date, and we want the people of Malava to get the leader they deserve. Religious leaders hold positions of influence and can help shape the electorate’s decisions,” he said.

“I have not met you to impose anyone on you. The people must make a conscious choice, and my plea is that Malava, having been in government, should elect a strong leader under the UDA ticket.”

He urged the electorate, through their religious representatives, to engage in self-reflection and to remain focused on the by-election, avoiding distractions from political sideshows.

“This exercise is not going to be a joke. Take it as a very serious exercise. You need to elect a leader who will serve all the people of Malava, irrespective of your clan or tribe and more so, a leader who will serve with dignity and integrity and reflect the face of Kenya when he goes to parliament to legislate for this great country,” noted Mudavadi.

Calling on religious leaders to ensure a peaceful campaign period, Mr Mudavadi warned against candidates who use violence or political extremism.

“Any candidate relying on violence should be condemned. We want peace and unity in Malava and across the country,” he said.

He further urged support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting the late Malulu’s productive working relationship with President William Ruto.

“Malulu was forthright and focused. As vice-chair of the Education Committee in Parliament, he worked to improve education. With 25 per cent of the national budget — Sh702 billion — now allocated to education, Malava needs a leader who will partner with government to raise education standards and infrastructure,” he said.