The conspicuous silence of front-lane adherents of the so-called Tawe Movement in Western Kenya after the last November 27 Malava by-election is deafening indeed. Two months since the mini-poll in which the United Opposition lost, the hitherto outspoken avowed critics of the national Government have gone missing from action. To a large extent, Ndakwa’s victory was a huge vote of confidence in Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, whom Natembeya, Khalwale, Malalah and Eugene had repeatedly maligned, ridiculed and insulted on daily basis during the entire campaign period. Since losing in the two contests, Natembeya, Khalwale and Malalah have suddenly taken an unusually low profile. While it is possible Natembeya, Khalwale and Malalah are eating humble pie after the thorough by-election whipping, questions abound regarding their capability and capacity to stage a meaningful political challenge.

Source: Daily Nation January 31, 2026 13:18 UTC