Eugene Wamalwa’s Vehicle Torched in Malava By-Election Chaos
A vehicle belonging to Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa was set on fire on Thursday amid escalating tensions in the Malava constituency by-election in Kakamega County.
The incident occurred in Manyonje, Butali Ward, where unidentified attackers reportedly ambushed and burnt the vehicle before fleeing the scene. Footage circulating online shows the charred shell of the car abandoned in the middle of the road, underscoring the heightened unrest that has overshadowed the poll.
The by-election, triggered by a vacancy in the Malava parliamentary seat, has been marred by confrontations involving DAP-K’s candidate Seth Panyako, who earlier in the day broke down in tears before later being taken into police custody.
DAP-K Raises Alarm Over “Coordinated Violence”
In a statement released on its official X account on Thursday, DAP-K alleged that its candidate had been targeted by what it described as “systematic intimidation” orchestrated under the watch of security personnel.
“Our candidate, Seth Panyako, has been arrested and is currently being held at Malava Police Station,” the party said. “This, even after goons under police supervision terrorised him the whole night, injured our agents, destroyed property, and now they want to intimidate him. We will not allow!”
According to the party, assailants raided the candidate’s campaign team overnight, injuring several agents and damaging property. DAP-K accused police officers of failing to intervene and instead enabling the violence.
Candidate Breaks Down After “Traumatic Night”
Before his arrest, Panyako cast his vote at St Joseph’s Lunyu Primary School, where he visibly struggled to contain his emotions as he narrated events from the previous night. He claimed that his team had received credible information suggesting that police officers were planning a raid on their hotel—an operation that never materialised but heightened their sense of insecurity.
“I received information that police were planning to raid our hotel, though they never showed up,” he told reporters. “At around 8:30, I was notified that Stanley Luvondo had arrived and wanted to see me. He had covered his number plates with black seal tape, prompting my team to question him. His group has been moving around issuing bribes, and despite repeatedly reporting the matter to the IEBC, no action has been taken.”
He said the lack of response from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to his complaints deepened his frustration and fear, ultimately contributing to his emotional breakdown at the polling station.
Tension Remains High as Voting Continues
The IEBC has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the claims made by the DAP-K candidate or the violence reported overnight. Police have also not responded publicly to the allegations of collusion raised by the party.
Voting continued under tight security as authorities sought to prevent further disruption. The Malava by-election has drawn significant political interest, with several parties viewing the seat as strategically important in shaping regional influence ahead of the next general election.
Further updates are expected as investigations into the vehicle burning and the alleged intimidation incidents progress.
Also Read: Malava DAP-K Candidate Seth Panyako Arrested
Eugene Wamalwa’s Vehicle Torched in Malava By-Election Chaos