President William Ruto’s close ally Farouk Kibet has urged Malava residents
to rally behind the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the
forthcoming by-election, warning against what he described as “empty rhetoric
and politics of division” from the opposition.
Addressing a gathering in Malava Constituency on Wednesday, Farouk called on locals to remain steadfast in their support for the government,
saying it is the surest path to development.
“I ask you, the people of Malava, do not succumb to empty rhetoric and politics of division,” Farouk said.
"The
focus should be on development, not sowing discord. We ask you to stand with
us, walk with us, and support the government, ensuring that we develop our
areas. Reject the opposition and support the UDA candidate in the forthcoming
by-election.”
He dismissed the opposition’s campaigns in the constituency as hollow, urging residents to consider the tangible projects the Ruto administration had already initiated in the area.
“What will the united
opposition help you? They have been camping here, campaigning. What have they
given you? Did they build anything worth your celebration? That is why we are
here to remind you to walk with us,” Kibet said.
The political strategist highlighted roads constructed under the Kenya Kwanza administration, including the Malava–Samisi road, as evidence of the President’s commitment to the community.
“President William Ruto has transformed Malava by building several roads. Here, this is his home. We haven’t seen past leaders doing so,” Kibet added, reminding locals of Ruto’s long-standing ties to the constituency.
The event doubled as a Thanksgiving ceremony
for Rhyan Injendi, son of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi. Rhyan, who lost to
David Ndakwa in the recent UDA nominations, used the occasion to declare his
support for Ndakwa.
“Rhyan’s gesture demonstrated maturity, unity
of purpose, and a strong commitment to strengthening the leadership and
cohesion of the community moving forward,” Kibet said.
In the UDA nominations, Kakamega County
Minority Leader David Ndakwa secured the party ticket with 6,477 votes against
Rhyan Malulu’s 3,783. Ndakwa will now fly the party’s flag in the by-election.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana also rallied support for Ndakwa, stressing the importance of electing a government-aligned legislator.
“I urge you to elect the UDA MP so that you can benefit. The UDA MP
will represent you well in the parliamentary committee that is key to
allocating development projects. Electing an opposition MP will deny you the
opportunity to benefit from projects,” he said.
Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali echoed the message, telling residents not to gamble with their political choices.
“President
William Ruto is a man of his word. Here in Malava, President Ruto has been key
in shaping development in the area. You know where the government is, you know
what it has done, and you know the benefits of being in government. That is why
we want you to elect one who will support government,” he said.
With the by-election drawing near, the UDA
leadership is banking on the constituency’s loyalty to the ruling coalition,
while portraying the opposition as incapable of delivering meaningful
development.
