The DNA party candidate Joab Manyasi has stepped down from the Malava by-election, declaring his support for UDA’s David Ndakwa.

Manyasi was received on Sunday November 23, 2025 into Ndakwa’s camp by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and the Chair of Kakamega MPs Caucus, Ikolomani MP Benard Shinali, who said the move strengthens the government’s push to secure victory in Thursday’s Malava by-election.

Shinali added that Manyasi’s entry into the camp boosts their target of an 80 percent win in next week’s vote.

In his first address after stepping down, Manyasi said he made the decision after critical reflection.

Manyasi previously contested the Malava parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election, finishing third with 11,983 votes, behind the late Malulu Injendi and Seth Panyako.

However, in a separate press statement, DNA Secretary General Dr. Barrack Muluka announced that while Manyasi has chosen to personally support David Ndakwa, the party has withdrawn him from the race and will officially support the united opposition candidate, Seth Panyako.

Muluka urged the IEBC to ensure free and fair elections that reflect the will of the electorate in Malava and other areas holding by-elections.