The Democratic Action Party Kenya (DAP-K) has issued an ultimatum to Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) to withdraw its candidate from the Malava constituency by-election, or face a withdrawal from the opposition coalition.
Patrick Butichi, chairperson of DAP-K, declared a zero-tolerance stance toward DCP’s candidate, warning that failure to step down would lead to the party severing political ties.
“We send a strong warning from Malava: if your candidate is cleared by the IEBC to run after 1 to 2 pm today, we will withdraw from the coalition and stand alone,” Butichi said.
This announcement follows the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) clearing Seth Panyako, DAP-K’s candidate, to contest the Malava parliamentary seat. The party has since urged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to persuade Edgar Busiega, the DCP candidate, to withdraw.
The Malava parliamentary seat fell vacant after the passing of Malulu Injendi, who was serving his third term, on 17th February 2025 while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
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DAP-K maintains that it enjoys stronger support within the Luhya community than DCP or any other party. “Even if President Ruto brings the whole government here to Malava, we will defeat him,” said Eugene Wamalwa, DAP-K party leader.
In response, Cleophas Malala, deputy party leader of DCP, accused DAP-K of being a party representing only a section of the Luhya community and lacking leadership within the Kakamega government. Malala urged DAP-K members to support Edgar Busiega for the sake of a united opposition.
“Please drop your aspirations. If you are serious about a united opposition, come and support DCP’s candidate, Edgar Busiega,” Malala said.
The United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has publicly backed Seth Panyako and called on UDA’s David Ndakwa to withdraw from the race.
As the by-election approaches, Malava residents are left uncertain about who to support, with several prominent candidates expressing interest in the seat.
– Timon Otieno
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