Clan Politics Take Center Stage in Malava By-Election

The upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election, set to replace the late Moses Malulu Injendi, is shaping up to be a contest driven by the entrenched clan politics of the Kabras sub-tribe within the larger Luhya community.

With over 20 aspirants already expressing interest, clan endorsements are becoming the defining factor, determining which candidates gain momentum and which are sidelined.

In a decisive show of unity, the Abashu clan has unanimously endorsed Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police Nelson Shilunji Taliti as their preferred candidate.

This resolution was confirmed by sub-clan chairman Francis Mulari and Secretary General Kennedy Tovoko, who are now mobilizing support to consolidate the Abashu vote bloc behind Taliti.

His ability to resonate with the younger generation, particularly Gen-Z voters, is seen as a strategic advantage in the crowded race.Meanwhile, lawyer Lewis Shitanda has faced a setback after his Abatali sub-clan rejected his bid in favor of Daniel Mwachi, who is perceived as a stronger contender.

In a meeting at Minata Hotel in Webuye, attended by three aspirants—Shitanda, Mwachi, and Simon Kangwana—a vote was conducted, resulting in Mwachi securing the endorsement. Shitanda and Kangwana garnered only two and four votes, respectively.

With representatives from all 13 sub-clans of Abatali in attendance, the outcome was formally communicated by Secretary John Mukwe, with the understanding that defying the decision could have serious political repercussions.

The Abatovo sub-clan had earlier declared Bungoma High School Principal Enock Andanje as their choice, sidelining Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako.

Having previously vied for the Kakamega senatorial seat in 2017 and the Malava parliamentary seat in 2022—losing both—Panyako has been urged by his clan to pursue an alternative political path.

In the late MP’s home turf, the Abasonje sub-clan has also weighed in, advising Malulu Injendi’s son, Rhyan Injendi, against running for the seat, citing cultural taboos.

Instead, the sub-clan has rallied behind lawyer and Advocate of the High Court, Edgar Busiega, setting the stage for another significant political battle.

With the political landscape becoming increasingly competitive, the by-election has already drawn a diverse array of aspirants.

Some of the notable names in the race include:

Former Kenya School of Government (KSG) lecturer and project management consultant Caleb Sunguti

Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police Nelson Shilunji TalitiLawyer Edgar Busiega Mwanga

Former Malava Boys’ High School Principal Daniel Mwachi

Activist Caleb Burudi

Dr. Enock AndanjeTrade unionist and security expert

Dr. Enock Makanga

Lawyer Lewis Shitanda

Retired educationist Mwalimu Kangwana

Former nominated Kakamega MCA Lazarus Lucheveleli

Former journalist George Munji

Former nominated senator Naomi Shiyonga, the only female candidate in the race

Since Kenya’s independence, Malava constituency has been represented exclusively by male legislators, with past MPs including:

Jonathan Masinde Welangai (1963-69)

Burudi Nabwera (1969-79)

Joshua Mulanda Angatia (1979-88, 1992-97)

Nathan Sanya Anaswa (1988-92)

Peter Soita Shitanda (1997-2013)

Moses Malulu Injendi (2012-2025)

Despite the crowded field, the official election date is yet to be set.

The seat remains vacant until the National Assembly formally declares it so, and a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is constituted.

The selection panel is currently in the process of interviewing new commissioners, following the exit of the Wafula Chebukati-led team in January 2023.

Political analysts predict that, barring any delays, the by-election could be held around September or October.

Given the array of candidates, this contest is expected to be defined by generational shifts, clan supremacy battles, and political party dynamics.