Ruto aide Farouk Kibet turns up the heat in Malava high-stakes by-election

President William Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet address residents during an event in Malava on November 28,2025/COURTESY

The race for the Malava parliamentary seat has entered its final and most decisive stretch, with UDA candidate David Ndakwa increasingly emerging as the man to beat.

A formidable show of force by top government and party figures, including President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, MPs, and Malava MCAs, continued Tuesday, reshaping the political landscape as the November 24 campaign deadline draws near.

Kibet started by leading an influential delegation to meet hundreds of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers drawn from all 118 centres across Malava.

The gathering, described as one of the most unified and issue-focused events of the campaign, saw teachers reaffirm their support for Ndakwa.

“I was honoured to meet ECDE teachers from all 118 centres in Malava. Their unity and dedication to nurturing our children’s future is truly inspiring,” Kibet said.

This, as he praised the educators for their role in strengthening the constituency’s social foundation. He added that meaningful development comes from working closely with the government of the day, a message that resonated strongly during the rally.

Since Ndakwa clinched the UDA ticket, Kibet has been at the forefront of the party’s ground operations in Malava.

His visibility, strategic mobilisation, and assertive messaging have reshaped the campaign, injecting organisation and confidence into UDA’s machinery.

In a constituency where political loyalty has historically swung between parties, Kibet’s presence is being interpreted as a clear signal of the party’s determination to secure the seat.

His energetic campaign, marked by consistent visits, grassroots meetings, and issue-centered engagements, has positioned Ndakwa at the centre of a well-coordinated political wave.

UDA candidate David Ndakwa with Farouk Kibet during a meeting with ECDE representatives on November 18, 2025/COURTESY

Kibet has also criticised the opposition for lacking a clear development agenda, arguing that Malava needs “focused, structured, and government-aligned leadership” to achieve meaningful change.

He then crossed over to Chemuche Ward, where, alongside Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and MPs John Bwire (Taita), Fred Ikhana (Shinyalu) and Benard Shinali (Ikolomani) he commissioned REREC electricity projects.

“After months of living in darkness, the community can now celebrate a new dawn as electricity finally lights up their homes. This is another demonstration of the National Government’s dedication to ensuring essential services reach every Kenyan,” he said.

He urged residents to vote for Ndakwa, describing support for him as a vote for sustained development and better access to government opportunities.

Governor Barasa, who joined Kibet, Savula, and several MCAs during the campaign, described the momentum behind Ndakwa as “strong, broad-based, and steadily rising.”

He praised the swelling endorsements from teachers, opinion leaders, youth groups, and church blocs, insisting that Ndakwa represents a new chapter of partnership-driven development for Malava.

During the engagements, Ndakwa reiterated his commitment to addressing long-standing concerns around roads, schools and water pledging to work with the county to improve ECDE welfare, enhance learning infrastructure, and raise education standards across the constituency.

Kibet echoed this call, urging both county and national governments to create a sustainable framework to support teachers.

“Investing in early childhood education is investing in our nation’s foundation,” he said.

Later, the team held a public engagement forum at South Kabras ward.

Bwire urged the residents to support the UDA candidate saying if there is a leader who has stood by them is President Ruto.

“This by-election I want you to express your loyalty by voting for Ndakwa,” he said.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula address a meeting on November 18,2025/COURTESY

Savula urged residents to show their support for President William Ruto by electing the UDA candidate, David Ndakwa, as the new MP.

He criticised the opposition, saying their team lacks a clear plan for transforming the constituency.

Ndakwa will face off against DAP-K’s Seth Panyako in the upcoming by-election, following the withdrawal of DCP’s Edgar Busiega, who stepped aside to back Panyako.

With the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) allowing campaign activities daily between 7am and 6pm until November 24, candidates have until Monday at 6pm to make their final appeals.

Yet, as the clock ticks, political signals on the ground increasingly suggest Ndakwa holds the upper hand.