Bruce Shivakale of EPP Party has officially stepped down in favor of the UDA candidate David Athman Ndakwa
By Wakhungu Andaje
With just days remaining before the November 27 Malava Constituency by-election, political dynamics in the area have taken a dramatic turn after Entrust Pioneer Party candidate Bruce Shivakale withdrew from the race and declared his support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Athman Ndakwa.
Shivakale, who had been actively campaigning across the constituency, said his decision was motivated by the belief that Ndakwa is best positioned to deliver meaningful development and representation for the people of Malava.
“A journey of a thousand miles starts with an inch. My decision is clear without guilt or lengthy explanations. I fully give my support to UDA candidate Hon. David Athman Ndakwa ‘Obama’ in the Malava Constituency by-election,” Shivakale announced, describing his move as one made in the best interest of his supporters and the constituency at large.
The former aspirant urged his followers to trust his judgment, insisting that they would be “safe in the hands of Ndakwa,” whom he described as a leader with a clear vision and the capacity to push his—Shivakale’s—development dream forward in Parliament.
Ndakwa, who has steadily gained ground in recent weeks, welcomed the endorsement, saying it affirmed the unity and shared aspirations of leaders committed to advancing Malava’s development agenda. He praised Shivakale’s decision as an act of courage and foresight.
“I believe in inclusive leadership. Anyone who shares the mission of transforming Malava is welcome. I am grateful to Bruce and his supporters for believing in this journey,” Ndakwa said.
Shivakale’s withdrawal is the latest in a series of developments that appear to be reshaping the electoral landscape in favour of the UDA candidate. Earlier this week, supporters of another aspirant, Joab Manyasi, also defected to join the government side, signalling growing momentum for Ndakwa’s camp.
Political observers note that these shifts have significantly tilted the race, which was initially expected to be tightly contested. With multiple camps now consolidating behind Ndakwa, he enters the final stretch of the campaign with a strengthened base and increased confidence among his supporters.
As things stand, Ndakwa is widely viewed as the frontrunner and is expected by many within the constituency to secure a comfortable victory—though the final outcome will ultimately be determined by voters at the ballot on November 27.
