Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on the people of Malava Constituency to approach the upcoming parliamentary by-election with utmost seriousness, urging voters to choose a leader who embodies integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to development.
Speaking at a gathering of over 4,000 teachers at Tande Secondary School, Mudavadi reminded residents that their vote is a powerful tool that will shape the future of Malava and impact national governance. The by-election follows the untimely passing of MP Malulu Injendi earlier this year.
“Reflect on the kind of leader you deserve,” Mudavadi told the crowd. “Who will manage your Constituency Development Fund (CDF) honestly? Who will safeguard the education of your children and drive development in Malava with integrity?”
He emphasized that he has no preferred candidate in the race and would not endorse anyone ahead of the vote. Instead, he urged locals to independently assess candidates and make informed choices.
“You will wait a very long time for me to pronounce myself on any candidate. I am not here to support anybody. Elect your own leader,” said Mudavadi, maintaining a neutral stance.
The Prime CS also took the opportunity to urge residents to abandon the outdated practice of voting along clan lines. He described clan-based politics as a stumbling block to progress and urged voters to rise above parochial loyalties.
“This is not the time to evaluate a leader through the prism of clans,” he stated. “Let us move beyond our traditional thinking and choose leaders who unite us and serve with vision.”
Mudavadi revealed he had held discussions with clan chairpersons, local elders, elected leaders, administrators, and now teachers—whom he referred to as “opinion shapers armed with knowledge”—to guide the constituency toward responsible leadership.
Highlighting the broader impact of the by-election, Mudavadi said the elected MP would not only represent Malava but also legislate for the entire nation. He framed the by-election as an event of regional and national significance, emphasizing the need for unity and forward-thinking leadership.
“This is a moment of critical importance to the people of Malava, Kakamega, Western Kenya, and Kenya as a whole,” he said.
Mudavadi also urged the Western Kenya region to embrace political reality and align with the national government for the sake of development. Citing historical political patterns in Africa, he cautioned against unrealistic expectations of unseating a sitting president.
“It is very difficult to defeat an African president seeking re-election,” he asserted. “Look at our own history—Moi, Kibaki, and Uhuru all secured re-election. President Ruto’s political strength is growing, and we must accept that reality.”
He reflected on his own experience in opposition during the 2017 elections under NASA, acknowledging the hard truth of being defeated despite widespread support.
“We campaigned across the country saying ‘Nasa hao’, but in the end, we were the ones who were trounced,” he recalled.
Mudavadi challenged the people of Western Kenya to end internal divisions, misinformation, and political short-sightedness that hinder the region’s progress.
“Let’s stop selling ourselves short. We must analyze our political trends with seriousness and stop being entrenched in narrow local thinking,” he urged. “The bigger picture is regional development and national integration.”
He concluded by encouraging the people of Malava and the wider region to join hands with the government to benefit from infrastructure development, including roads, schools, and water projects.
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