Women in Malava said the long by-election campaign season kept many men away from home and left families strugglingSpeaking to TUKO.co.ke, they claimed men spent time at political rallies and drinking spots after receiving small tokens from aspirantsHomes were left exposed, with reports of theft as residents followed campaign events across the constituencySome men denied the accusations and argued that women also played a role in the large crowds at ralliesTUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
As campaign frenzy eases in Malava constituency, families said they are now trying to restore normalcy after nearly two months of disrupted routines and empty homes.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressing a campaign rally in Malava on Monday, November 24. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi.
Source: FacebookMany residents claimed the political season pulled men away from their households, leaving women to handle everything on their own.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, a group of women led by Sheila Nanzala said many men spent their days in drinking spots after receiving small tokens from aspirants.
Did Malava men abandon their homes during the campaign? She added that the few who returned home often came back too drunk to help with any responsibilities.
“Our men have not been around during the campaigns. Most of them have been spending their time in chang’aa dens after getting money from aspirants,” Nanzala said.According to her, many homes remained exposed during the campaign season because people followed rallies across the constituency.
She noted that some families even lost household items to thieves who took advantage of the empty homes.
“We thank God they are back because thieves took advantage and stole from many homes during the by-election period,” she added.Malava men deny abandoning homes Nanzala said some men wasted the small handouts they received and still returned asking for food that was not available.
However, a section of men led by Eliud Lucheli dismissed the claims. He told TUKO.co.ke that their role is to seek opportunities outside the home, and said women also contributed to the large crowds seen at the rallies.
“Some women have not been cooking for their children because they were busy following politicians,” Lucheli said.He further claimed that some young mothers had been drinking alcohol during campaign events, which he said created tension in their families.
UDA party’s David Ndakwa and DAP-K’s Seth Panyako are among the front-runners in the Malava mini-poll. Photos: UDA, Eugene Wamalwa.
Source: FacebookWho is leading Malava by-election race?TUKO.co.ke previously reported that a new opinion poll by Mizani Africa showed DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako leading the Malava parliamentary by-election with 47.2% support among 700 respondents.
UDA’s David Ndakwa followed closely at 40.3%, while the undecided bloc accounts for 9.4% of voters.
The survey indicated a competitive race, with Panyako strengthening his lead from 44.7% in an earlier poll. Other candidates collectively hold 3.1%, leaving room for shifts.
Ndakwa has also gained ground, moving from 37.9% to 40.3%, reflecting increased voter engagement.
The poll suggested both frontrunners are actively shaping opinions, and the undecided voters could prove decisive in the final outcome.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
