The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has certified seven of eight candidates contesting the Malava constituency seat, with calls for peaceful campaigning ahead of the August 9 election. Joseph Juma, the returning officer, announced the clearance and emphasized coordination to prevent rally clashes. "We will meet with the hopefuls on June 8 to certify all campaign schedules," Juma stated.
Ngaira Shitanda of Ford Kenya was the first candidate cleared, followed by incumbent MP Malulu Injendi of the ANC. Injendi, who has campaigned under the ANC since 2013, pledged adherence to IEBC ethics. "I have been cleared to vie for the Malava seat on the ANC ticket. Since 2013, I have embraced peace and will continue upholding the IEBC code of ethics," he said.
Joab Manyasi of ODM urged candidates to reject violence, stating, "We should not allow violence to divide us." Isaac Mulagoli, an independent candidate, forfeited his bid after failing to appear before IEBC. Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako noted ongoing violence but encouraged candidates to prioritize peace.
Benjamin Nalwa of the Maendeleo Democratic Party called for unity regardless of election outcomes, saying, "Campaigns and election results should not divide us but unite us by supporting the winner for development." Isaac Shaviya of UDPP praised IEBC's improved efficiency compared to 2017, noting, "They're keen on pursuing every document and have given us time to present them."
Malava OCPD Paul Mwenda warned that candidates and voters breaching peace would face legal consequences. Police emphasized security preparations ahead of the poll.