The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has sent a stern warning to party members accused of backing rival candidates in the Thursday, November 27 by-elections, telling them to resign if they believe they are popular enough to win without the party’s support.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, November 28, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the party would not tolerate disloyalty, insisting that those working against official candidates should step aside and seek a fresh mandate.
“If you think you’re that popular, resign like Raila Odinga once did and face us in a contest,” Omar said.
His remarks appeared to be aimed at Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who openly campaigned for DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako against UDA’s David Ndakwa in the Malava parliamentary race. Khalwale defended his move, saying Panyako better represented residents’ interests.
Despite the tension, UDA’s David Ndakwa clinched the Malava seat with 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating Panyako, who garnered 20,210 votes. IEBC Returning Officer Salim Abdalla announced the results early Friday at the Malava tallying centre — a win UDA leaders celebrated as a key show of strength in the region.
The party had already issued Khalwale with a disciplinary notice in October 2025, citing gross misconduct and disloyalty. He ignored the summons and continued to push Panyako’s candidacy.
Khalwale dismissed UDA’s warnings, insisting he was exercising his democratic right.
“They are forcing me to take a stand against my community for a mere position. I cannot betray my people because of titles,” he said, adding that he has “moved on politically” and intends to run for Kakamega governor in 2027 under a different party.
During the briefing, UDA also celebrated its overall by-election performance, saying the victories reaffirmed its growing national appeal. Omar took a swipe at the opposition, describing some of their outfits as “village parties” after they secured only a handful of MCA seats.
He further criticised Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of issuing threats to independent institutions, including the IEBC and the National Police Service. Omar urged all agencies to uphold their constitutional mandates without political pressure.
