DAP-K candidate for Malava by-election Seth Panyako, DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala and DCP candidate Edgar Busiega hold hands outside Malala's residence at Makunga in Kakamega on Tuesday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO The DAP-K and DCP parties have united in the impending Malava parliamentary by-election set for November 27.
DAP-K’s MP seat candidate Seth Panyako and DCP’s Edgar Busiega held a meeting at DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala’s residence for over two hours before emerging to make the announcement.
Busiega said that he was supporting Panyako unconditionally.
He said that Malava is bigger than an individual, and it's impossible for all of them to be the MP of the constituency at the same time.
“I have dealt with Panyako for years as his attorney and want to say I have left my people in safe hands. We’re looking at this thing from the perspective of Luhya unity,” he said.
Panyako said the journey to unite Luhyas has begun with the Malava race, claiming that some opponents have been buying people in Malava, but their push will not succeed now that they have a united front.
“I left UDA and declined the ODM ticket because I wanted to reclaim the dignity of the community,” Panyakoo said.
Malala said that the decision for DCP to pull out of the Malava race was reached after a scientific survey revealed that Panyako was the stronger candidate.
“Busiega has his support, yes, but he knew if we both get to the ballot, we’ll lose. We have agreed with party leader Rigathi Gachagua that Busiega’s name will be the first on the nomination for the party in 2027," Malala said.
Malala also announced DAP-K will withdraw its candidate for the Kisa East ward seat by-election in favour of the DCP candidate.
Malava said that party principals will unveil the candidates on Monday.
The announcement to forge a united opposition came on a day President William Ruto began his four-day working tour in Western and began in Kakamega, where he launched several projects and drummed up support for UDA candidate in the Malava race, David Ndakwa.
The Broad-based government leaders have intensified campaigns for the UDA candidate, saying Ndakwa’s election will strengthen the Western region’s voice in national politics and ensure continued development.
“David Ndakwa understands the needs of the people of Malava and has the experience to champion their priorities in Parliament. We need a leader who can work with both levels of government to deliver tangible results,” National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said recently.
Busiega’s withdrawal now reduces the Malava by-election to a two-horse race between UDA and DAP-K
