The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has challenged party members who supported opponents in last week’s by-elections, daring them to step down if they feel popular enough to contest future polls.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, November 28, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said disloyal members should either resign or face the party in a fair contest.
“If you think you’re that popular, resign like Raila Odinga once did and face us in a contest,” Omar stated.
Omar’s comments appeared directed at Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who openly supported DAP-K’s Seth Panyako against UDA’s David Ndakwa in the Malava parliamentary by-election.
Khalwale argued that Panyako represented the real interests of the residents, unlike Ndakwa.
David Ndakwa of UDA emerged victorious with 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating Panyako, who garnered 20,210 votes.
IEBC returning officer Salim Abdalla declared Ndakwa the winner on the morning of November 28 at the Malava tallying centre.
The win marked an important boost for UDA and its regional leadership.
The party’s disciplinary committee had formally warned Khalwale in October 2025 over disloyalty and gross misconduct, but he continued campaigning for Panyako.
Khalwale insisted he was exercising his freedom of choice and challenged UDA to remove him from his Senate majority whip position.
“They are forcing me to take a stand against my community for a mere position. I cannot betray my house because of positions,” Khalwale said.
He also revealed that he has politically moved on from UDA and plans to run for Kakamega governor in 2027 under a different party.
During the briefing, UDA celebrated its candidates’ by-election victories, highlighting the party’s wide appeal across the country.
Omar criticised the opposition, calling them “village parties” for winning only a few county assembly seats.
Omar also took aim at Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using threats and intimidation against independent government institutions, including the IEBC and police, and urged all agencies to operate in line with the Constitution.
