In a tense by-election that captured national attention, Seth Kuka Panyako, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP‑K) candidate, has rejected the official results, alleging widespread manipulation and intimidation. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared David Ndakwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) the winner after a narrow victory.
Panyako, who lost by less than 1,500 votes, claimed he had actually won in 134 of the constituency’s 198 polling stations. “They used 54 polling stations to steal the elections,” he said on social media, accusing unnamed actors of undermining the will of the people. Despite the alleged violence, including threats against his life and supporters, he thanked his team, lawyers, party leaders, and grassroots contributors for standing firm.
The campaign period in Malava was marked by tension and intimidation. Panyako alleged that government-affiliated operatives disrupted his rallies and threatened his family. Observers also reported instances of voter harassment and pre-marked ballot papers, intensifying concerns about electoral integrity.
Voting itself was reported as largely peaceful. The IEBC confirmed that biometric kits functioned properly and observers were present across the 198 polling stations. Turnout was approximately 46 percent, with 43,675 ballots cast from 94,417 registered voters. IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon condemned acts of violence and warned that any interference with the election process would not be tolerated.
At the tallying center, Ndakwa was declared the MP-elect after receiving 21,564 votes against Panyako’s 20,210. Third-place candidates trailed far behind. The official declaration has done little to calm tensions, with Panyako signaling that the result would not define his political future and hinting at possible legal action.
Analysts say the close margin and allegations of misconduct reflect broader concerns over Kenya’s electoral system, where distrust of institutions and the use of intimidation tactics continue to challenge democratic norms. As Malava’s political climate remains unsettled, questions linger about the credibility of Kenya’s electoral processes and the readiness of the authorities to ensure free and fair contests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
