Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary General Seth Panyako has declared that he will once again seek the Malava parliamentary seat, signaling his determination to remain a key player in the constituency’s political landscape despite recent electoral setbacks.
In a social media post shared on Monday, June 8, 2026, the outspoken union leader announced that he is officially back in the race and preparing for another attempt to capture the seat.
“Bado niko safarini,” Panyako stated, a message widely interpreted as confirmation that he intends to contest the constituency seat again in the future.
The announcement comes shortly after the Kakamega High Court dismissed a petition he had filed challenging the election of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa in the 2025 Malava by-election.
Panyako had sought to overturn Ndakwa’s victory through the courts, arguing that there were grounds to nullify the outcome. However, the court ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient to invalidate the results of the closely contested poll.
The judgement effectively brought to an end Panyako’s legal challenge, paving the way for Ndakwa to continue serving as the constituency’s elected representative.
Despite the setback, Panyako’s latest remarks indicate that he remains committed to his political ambitions in Malava and is already looking ahead to future electoral opportunities.
Known nationally for his role in advocating for nurses and healthcare workers, Panyako has increasingly expanded his influence into elective politics, positioning himself as a vocal figure on both labour and governance issues.
His decision to pursue a third attempt at the parliamentary seat is expected to keep him at the centre of political discussions in Kakamega County as leaders begin laying the groundwork for future contests.
Political observers will be keen to see whether Panyako can convert his national profile and grassroots support into electoral success after two unsuccessful bids for the Malava constituency seat.
