By Violet Auma
Malava Constituency in Kakamega County is mourning the untimely demise of their Member of Parliament, Hon. Malulu Injendi. He died while receiving treatment at Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi.
News of his passing broke this evening, with close family friends confirming that he had been in the ICU before his death.
The 3rd-term legislator leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and transformation that will be remembered for years to come.
Hon. Malulu Injendi, who was in his early 50s, began his political career in 2013, elected as Malava MP under the Maendeleo Democratic Party(MDP). His tenure was marked by his commitment to education, infrastructure development, and empowering the youth.
In 2017, he successfully retained his seat on Jubilee party ticket, further cementing his reputation as a people-centered leader.
In the 2022 elections, Injendi, who vied on the ANC ticket, trounced his arch-opponent Seth Panyako of UDA with 22,891 votes against 20,133 votes.
Panyako filed a case in court disputing the declared win, claiming Malulu’s victory was fraudulent and asking the court to nullify the results.
However, Judge Rachael Rotich dismissed the petition challenging his win and ordered the applicant to pay 4 million Kenyan shillings as the cost of the suit. The court stated that Panyako failed to prove the election was marred by malpractices, including bribery, intimidation, and violence.
Before venturing into politics, Injendi was a lecturer at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa from 1996 to 2013.
His academic background deeply influenced his approach to leadership, emphasizing education as a tool for community empowerment.
As a legislator, Hon. Injendi served on the Departmental Committee on Education, Research, and Technology and the Committee on Regional Integration from 2017 until his passing. He was a vocal advocate for improving education standards, sponsoring bills and participating in debates aimed at addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. Notable among his initiatives were:
- The Rural Schools Development Bill – Advocating for increased funding and resources to underprivileged schools in rural areas.
- The Constituency Infrastructure Act Amendment – Pushing for better allocation of resources for roads, bridges, and electrification in constituencies.
- The Youth and Skills Development Bill – Promoting vocational training and entrepreneurship among the youth.
Hon. Injendi’s passion for education extended beyond his work in Parliament. He was an alumnus of the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Master of Arts in Sociology. From 2008 until his passing, he had been pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa. His academic journey reflected his belief in continuous learning and personal growth.
Under Hon. Injendi’s leadership, Malava Constituency saw significant improvements:
- Education: Renovation of schools, construction of new classrooms, libraries, and laboratories. • Infrastructure: Upgrading of roads and bridges, making transportation more accessible. • Electrification: Bringing power to rural areas, enabling economic opportunities and improved living standards. • Youth Empowerment: Launching vocational training programs and initiatives to support small-scale businesses and nurture local talent.
Known for his eloquence and grassroots connection, Hon. Injendi frequently addressed public forums to share his vision and achievements. In one of his memorable speeches, he declared: “When we uplift our children through education, we uplift an entire community. My dream for Malava has always been to create opportunities for every individual to thrive.”
His leadership style emphasized inclusion and community-driven development, earning him respect and admiration from all corners of the constituency.
Hon. Injendi had ambitious plans for Malava, including expanding healthcare facilities, strengthening agricultural support for small-scale farmers, and enhancing access to scholarships for higher education. While his sudden passing leaves these dreams incomplete, his vision will continue to inspire future leaders in the constituency.
Malava Constituency has lost a dedicated leader and a visionary advocate for change. Hon. Malulu Injendi’s contributions to education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment have left an indelible mark on the community. As the people of Malava mourn his loss, they also celebrate the legacy of a man who truly cared for his people.
