Kakamega, Kenya – September 22, 2025, 09:45 AM (EAT) – Ryan Injendi, the son of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi, has accused Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of interfering in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) primaries. Ryan lost the contest for the Malava parliamentary ticket.
Claims of Interference
Speaking on Sunday after conceding defeat, Ryan alleged that Mudavadi’s office influenced the outcome of the primaries. He insisted that local candidates should have agreed on a single flag bearer instead of going through a vote.
“We were with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and we wanted to deliberate amongst ourselves who would get the ticket. Instead, we were told to vote,” Ryan said.
He argued that neither President William Ruto nor other UDA leaders influenced the nomination. He therefore questioned why Mudavadi’s office chose to intervene in Malava politics.
“To the office of the PCS, what was so big in Malava that you had to come and challenge a young man like me? Why wouldn’t you have left the people of Malava to vote their own way?” he asked.
Disappointment Over Family Ties
Ryan also recalled that Mudavadi had enjoyed a close political friendship with his late father. He said the PCS should have supported him instead of undermining his bid.
“My late father stood with Mudavadi even when others opposed him. Why would he turn against his son at a time of need?” Ryan wondered.
Acceptance of Defeat
Despite his grievances, Ryan accepted the results and congratulated Kakamega County Minority Leader David Ndakwa, who won the UDA ticket. He urged Ndakwa to keep Malava firmly behind the government.
“We have conceded, but we will not forget. I will stand aside and let Ndakwa campaign. I will still support the government and President Ruto,” Ryan said.
He reminded Malava residents that the constituency has a long history of aligning with ruling parties. According to him, Ndakwa now carries the responsibility of ensuring Malava remains close to the government.
Mudavadi Yet to Respond
Mudavadi, who is currently in New York for international meetings, has not responded to the accusations. Earlier this year, he folded his Amani National Congress (ANC) party into UDA, consolidating his role in the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Ryan announced his candidacy on April 17, during a prayer service to honor his late father. Senior UDA leaders attended the event and endorsed his bid.
The Malava parliamentary by-election will take place on November 27, 2025, alongside several other by-elections across the country.
For the latest updates on Western Kenya politics and the upcoming by-elections, visit sauce.co.ke.
