Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has taken a swipe at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya following the UDA victory in the Malava by-election.
In a statement on Friday, November 28, Barasa urged Natembeya to take the defeat as an opportunity for self-reflection.
The remarks come after Natembeya’s candidate, Seth Panyako, who vied on a DAP-K Party ticket lost the hotly contested race.
Barasa also implied that the defeat should push Natembeya to reconsider his political approach, accusing him of chest thumping.
"Wishing my bro George Natembeya a safe journey back to Trans Nzoia. As your team removes cobwebs and anthills from your office due to your prolonged absence, I trust you will get time to reflect on the concept of humility. Kakamega has never embraced politics of chest thumping," he said.
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Elsewhere, Panyako has claimed that the by-election results were manipulated against him.
In a statement on Friday, November 28, he alleged that he won in 134 out of 198 polling stations in Malava, claiming that votes were stolen in the other 54 polling centres.
"We won in 134 out of 198 Polling stations, but still they managed to manipulate and subvert the will of the people. They used 54 Polling stations to steal the elections," he claimed.
At the same time, Panyako thanked Malava Constituency residents who voted for him despite his loss in the by-election.
"Thank you, my Malava people, your love and trust in me has been steadfast. But to those wo subverted your will, judgment awaits them. Despite violence against us and attempts on my life, you stood firm. Our heads are still up," he added.
UDA's David Ndakwa won the by-election with a total of 21,564 votes, defeating Panyako, who garnered 20,210 votes.
In its congratulatory message, UDA said the victory reflected more than just a routine electoral outcome, framing it instead as a defining endorsement of the values the party champions.
"This win is more than a vote count, it is a powerful statement from the people of Malava. It signals their confidence in principled leadership, issue-based politics, and the transformative agenda our Party continues to champion across the country.
"Hon. Ndakwa David Athman’s victory reaffirms that when leaders stand with the people, the people stand firmly with them. We are confident that his voice in Parliament will amplify the aspirations of Malava residents and strengthen the national reform journey led by our Party," the party said.
