The sudden death of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant Dr. Enock Andaje, who was eyeing the Malava parliamentary seat, has ignited sharp divisions among leaders, with accusations of bias, betrayal, and commercialisation of party nominations.
Dr. Andaje collapsed at the gate of Bulupi Primary School in Malava, where he had gone to attend a women’s empowerment event presided over by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
He was rushed to Oasis Hospital in Kakamega town, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Speaking at the home of the late aspirant in Manda-Shivanga ward, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula claimed that Dr. Andaje succumbed to political pressure after learning he was likely to be shortchanged despite assurances of a direct ticket.
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“The late was told to resign as Chief Principal at Bungoma High School after being promised a direct UDA ticket. But later, he realised the party bigwigs were plotting to deny him the chance in favour of another candidate,” Savula alleged.
He urged political parties to run fair, transparent processes.
“Nominations should not be a matter of life and death. Aspirants need clarity early enough on whether it will be consensus, direct ticket, or primaries to avoid unnecessary losses and frustrations,” he said.
Former Kakamega Senator and DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala echoed the concerns, accusing Mudavadi and other UDA leaders of insincerity.
“The late was duped into resigning from his teaching career with a promise of a ticket. We must uphold democracy and be truthful to aspirants,” Malala said.
DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako also faulted UDA, accusing it of commercialising nominations.
“The late Andaje suffered mental and financial strain after being misled. This must stop,” he said.
However, other leaders called for restraint, warning against politicising the tragedy. Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala urged sobriety: “This is a natural death. Let us give the family support and avoid turning it into a political weapon.”
Manda-Shivanga MCA David Kivishi echoed the sentiment, vowing not to allow leaders to use Andaje’s death for political gain.
“Our people must remain calm. The family deserves respect, not political theatrics,” he said.
Prime CS Mudavadi, who spoke after the incident, insisted that UDA will conduct transparent primaries for the Malava by-election.
“I am not here to endorse anyone. The people of Malava will decide their candidate in free and fair nominations,” he said.
UDA Vice Chairperson Kelvin Lunani added that nominations are set for September 20, 2025, and pledged a credible process.
Mudavadi also challenged aspirants—Simon Kangwana Chimuche, Ryan Injendi Malulu, David Ndakwa, and Leonard Lipala Shimaka—to remain loyal to the party regardless of the outcome.
The aspirants pledged peaceful campaigns and party loyalty.
Dr. Andaje’s death has now placed the spotlight on how political parties handle nominations, with growing calls for transparency to avoid costly and emotionally draining experiences for aspirants.
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The sudden death of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant Dr. Enock Andaje, who was eyeing the Malava parliamentary seat, has ignited sharp divisions among leaders, with accusations of bias, betrayal, and commercialisation of party nominations.
Dr. Andaje collapsed at the gate of Bulupi Primary School in Malava, where he had gone to attend a women’s empowerment event presided over by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
He was rushed to Oasis Hospital in Kakamega town, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Speaking at the home of the late aspirant in Manda-Shivanga ward, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula claimed that Dr. Andaje succumbed to political pressure after learning he was likely to be shortchanged despite assurances of a direct ticket.
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“The late was told to resign as Chief Principal at Bungoma High School after being promised a direct UDA ticket. But later, he realised the party bigwigs were plotting to deny him the chance in favour of another candidate,” Savula alleged.
He urged political parties to run fair, transparent processes.
“Nominations should not be a matter of life and death. Aspirants need clarity early enough on whether it will be consensus, direct ticket, or primaries to avoid unnecessary losses and frustrations,” he said.
Former Kakamega Senator and DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala echoed the concerns, accusing Mudavadi and other UDA leaders of insincerity.
“The late was duped into resigning from his teaching career with a promise of a ticket. We must uphold democracy and be truthful to aspirants,” Malala said.
DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako also faulted UDA, accusing it of commercialising nominations.
“The late Andaje suffered mental and financial strain after being misled. This must stop,” he said.
However, other leaders called for restraint, warning against politicising the tragedy. Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala urged sobriety: “This is a natural death. Let us give the family support and avoid turning it into a political weapon.”
Manda-Shivanga MCA David Kivishi echoed the sentiment, vowing not to allow leaders to use Andaje’s death for political gain.
“Our people must remain calm. The family deserves respect, not political theatrics,” he said.
Prime CS Mudavadi, who spoke after the incident, insisted that UDA will conduct transparent primaries for the Malava by-election.
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“I am not here to endorse anyone. The people of Malava will decide their candidate in free and fair nominations,” he said.
UDA Vice Chairperson Kelvin Lunani added that nominations are set for September 20, 2025, and pledged a credible process.
Mudavadi also challenged aspirants—Simon Kangwana Chimuche, Ryan Injendi Malulu, David Ndakwa, and Leonard Lipala Shimaka—to remain loyal to the party regardless of the outcome.
The aspirants pledged peaceful campaigns and party loyalty.
Dr. Andaje’s death has now placed the spotlight on how political parties handle nominations, with growing calls for transparency to avoid costly and emotionally draining experiences for aspirants.
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By Benard Lusigi and Mary Imenza