By Samson Wire
The political drums are beating once again in Westlands, and one name is steadily rising above the din: Jayendra Malde. The former Nairobi City County Assembly Member and once-powerful Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee is being tipped for a dramatic return to frontline politics — this time with even bigger stakes.
From Parklands to Deep Sea, Malde’s political footprint remains visible years after he exited elective office.
Malde’s supporters have been circulating a bold “Score Card 2017–2022” detailing his achievements during his tenure as MCA. Among the highlighted milestones:
Establishment of a Level 3 hospital
100% bursary issuance
Construction of additional classrooms
Installation of water tanks
Empowerment initiatives for residents
Development of Westlands Market
90% re-carpeting of roads
Boreholes for two schools
Support for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)
Distribution of dry food rations to vulnerable families
The image, widely shared on social media, reinforces his long-standing campaign mantra: “I promised, I delivered.”
Beyond the graphics, residents of Parklands and Westlands recall tangible interventions — from linking roads in Deep Sea informal settlement to mobilizing fundraisers for Jua Kali artisans and expanding education bursaries to more than 2,000 learners.
Before and during his political career, Malde served as Chairman of the Indian Business Community – Westlands Branch, where he championed a conducive business climate for traders, particularly within Nairobi’s Asian community.
Colleagues describe him as a leader who showed up — whether at disaster scenes, community harambees, or high-level policy discussions at City Hall.
Malde’s 2022 bid hit turbulence during chaotic party nominations that saw him lose to a newcomer. His allies insist the process was marred by irregularities, effectively ending his re-election bid.
But if anything, the setback appears to have recalibrated rather than retired him.
The flamboyant, people-driven politician has since aligned himself firmly within the broad-based political framework supporting President William Ruto while also endorsing the working arrangement with Raila Odinga’s ODM party.
Malde has maintained high visibility at key development functions presided over by President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja across Westlands and the wider city — a calculated move analysts say positions him squarely within the city’s evolving power matrix.
Notably, he was among prominent leaders who paid tribute at Raila Odinga’s father’s final resting place in Bondo, underscoring his cross-political networks and symbolic gestures of unity.
As the political clock ticks toward the next electoral cycle, supporters are urging Malde to aim higher — possibly for the Westlands parliamentary seat. Others argue that reclaiming the MCA position would offer a strategic launchpad back into county leadership.
Political observers note that Nairobi’s shifting alliances and urban voting trends could favor seasoned grassroots mobilizers like Malde, particularly in cosmopolitan constituencies such as Westlands.
With demographic shifts, business interests, and national coalition realignments reshaping city politics, Malde’s blend of community outreach, legal expertise, and cross-party diplomacy may yet prove decisive.
Whether he sets his sights on Parliament or returns to the County Assembly, one thing is clear: Jayendra Malde is not done.
In Westlands, the murmurs are growing louder — and if momentum holds, Nairobi may soon witness one of its most calculated political comebacks.
The question now is not whether Malde will return.
It is how big he intends to go.
