The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has chosen Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to spearhead a vigorous grassroots campaign in the upcoming Malava Constituency by-election, a clear indication of the region’s increasing political importance.
The by-election, which is anticipated to be among the most watched in recent memory, will likely act as a litmus test for UDA’s efforts to gain ground in an area that has historically been controlled by opposition organizations.
Mudavadi, a respected political figure and former leader of the Amani National Congress (ANC), has wasted no time in rallying support. In a high-stakes consultative meeting attended by over 100 clan chairpersons and elders from the 29 Kabras clans, who make up the majority of Malava’s population, Mudavadi emphasized the importance of unity, cultural pride, and credible representation.
“We are not here to impose, but to listen and walk together,” Mudavadi stated. “The next MP for Malava must be a product of the people’s wisdom and guided by the values that bind us.”
The meeting was not just symbolic; it marked the beginning of what insiders are calling a “ground assault”,a bottom-up campaign strategy aimed at consolidating support through local structures, cultural ties, and historical loyalties. By engaging the clans directly, UDA appears to be recalibrating its political strategy to prioritize authentic community engagement over party dominance.
Political analysts view Mudavadi’s involvement as a high-stakes gamble by UDA to not only win the seat but also to send a strong signal that the ruling coalition is serious about securing the Western vote ahead of 2027. Whether this approach will bear fruit remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that Malava is no longer just a constituency; it’s a political proving ground.
