Another Candidate Steps Down to Back Seth Panyako in Malava
In a significant political development in Malava Constituency, Joab Burudi Manyasi, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate, has officially withdrawn from the race to support Seth Panyako.
The announcement was confirmed on Sunday by Panyako’s Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), which described the decision as unanimous.
According to the party, this move is aimed at ensuring that Malava residents have the chance to vote for a local candidate rather than someone perceived as an outsider.
“Joab Burudi Manyasi of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has officially stepped down in favour of Seth Panyako,” the DAP-K statement said.
The statement further emphasized the importance of local leadership, saying, “The people of Malava Constituency and the Mulembe community must choose their leaders without interference from outsiders. Malava decides! It’s Seth Panyako!”
This endorsement comes shortly after the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), associated with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, also withdrew its candidate in support of Panyako, signaling a growing consolidation of support around him.
The Malava seat has been at the center of political controversies since the by-elections were announced a few months ago.
Tensions escalated when the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) declined to give its party ticket to Ryan Injendi, the son of the late MP Malulu Injendi, who had expressed interest in contesting for the seat.
Instead, UDA chose David Ndakwa, the Kabras West MCA and Minority Leader in the Kakamega County Assembly, as its candidate. This decision sparked intense criticism and resistance from some party members who supported Ryan Injendi.
After losing in the UDA primaries, Ryan Injendi appeared to suggest that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had interfered in Malava’s local politics.
Adding to the drama, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale publicly announced his support for Seth Panyako and the DAP-K, accusing UDA of neglecting Ryan Injendi.
Khalwale pointed out that in similar circumstances, the families of late MPs in other counties were honored with government positions, but Malulu Injendi’s family received no such recognition.
“Mr President, when Malulu passed away, Baringo Senator Cheptumo also died, and the same happened when Migori’s Dalmas Otieno died.
For the other two, you appointed Cheptumo’s widow to a ministry and Dalmas’ wife received a high-level state position. Yet for Malulu, neither the wife nor the son was considered,” Khalwale said on October 13.
He continued, “I expected Ryan to be allowed to serve as MP, but as you denied him that opportunity and chose an MCA instead, I am declaring that we will decide who we support without interference from your office.”
The following day, UDA demanded that Senator Khalwale provide a show-cause letter, accusing him of violating the party constitution by openly supporting a rival candidate.
Despite this, Khalwale has remained actively involved in campaigning for Panyako, joining him and senior DAP-K officials, including Party leader Eugene Wamalwa and his deputy George Natembeya, at political rallies across the constituency.
This latest development further strengthens Seth Panyako’s position in the Malava race, as he now enjoys the backing of multiple parties and influential political figures, signaling a fierce contest ahead.
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