DAP-K nominates Seth Panyako for Malava constituency by-election

The Democratic Action Party (Kenya) DAP-K has nominated Seth Panyako for the Malava Member of Parliament by-election.

Panyako, Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary-General, seeks to succeed Malulu Injendi, who died in February, in the elections set for November 27.

He emerged as the coalition’s front-runner with a lead in all seven wards of the constituency.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa on Thursday described the by-election as a major test of political strength ahead of the 2027 general election.

“The Malava by-election will be a big test for the 2027 elections,” said Wamalwa. “As an opposition coalition, we used scientific data to establish our candidates, which is why we settled for our DP candidate in Mbeere,” Wamalwa stated.

Wamalwa urged the coalition partners to rally behind Panyako and called on youthful voters to turn out and register with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

“We urge the rest of the coalition’s partners to endorse Panyako and Gen Zs to turn out in large numbers and register with the IEBC from the 29th of this month,” he said.

He emphasized that Panyako is qualified to represent the party and defended his eligibility.

Panyako’s nomination follows a petition filed seeking to ban him from contesting.

The case, filed on behalf of fellow Malava aspirant Caleb Burudi, argues that Panyako failed to resign from public office within the timeline required by law, rendering him ineligible to participate in party nominations and the election itself. 

Burudi submits that Panyako ought to have resigned as a LAPFUND board member before or on August 15, after IEBC declared the MP post vacant on August 8.