Malava By-Election: Seth Panyako Claims ‘Assassination Attempt’
Malava Constituency parliamentary candidate Seth Panyako has alleged that an attempt was made on his life on the eve of the November 27 by-election, claiming state-aligned individuals were behind an attack targeting him and members of his family.
Speaking on Thursday morning shortly after casting his ballot at St Joseph Lunyu Primary School, the DAP-K aspirant said his driver sustained serious injuries following an assault on Wednesday night. Panyako insisted the attackers were linked to senior figures within government.
“There was an attack on my hotel by government machinery working together with criminals, and the aim of the attack was to assassinate my wife and me,” he told reporters. “My driver is in hospital with grave injuries. This is sponsored violence.”
According to Panyako, the assailants bypassed the main hotel suite and headed directly to the room where he and his wife were staying—an action he believes shows the attack was targeted. His driver, who he says was stabbed during the confrontation, is currently receiving treatment at Webuye Hospital.
Panyako further claimed he was targeted because internal polls allegedly placed him significantly ahead of his main challenger, UDA candidate David Ndakwa.
“The government candidate was only at 24 per cent yesterday,” he argued. “The only option left for them to win this election is to assassinate me. They have no way of winning legitimately.”
Shortly after voting, television cameras captured Panyako becoming emotional, wiping tears as he spoke to journalists. Security in Malava has been visibly heightened following the allegations, with police deployed to several polling stations.
The by-election witnessed additional tension on Wednesday evening when another man was left injured after being beaten by residents who accused him of attempting to bribe voters. Authorities have not clarified which camp the suspect was allegedly representing.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa condemned the incidents, accusing police of colluding with political actors to intimidate opposition candidates.
“We want to tell the Inspector General of Police that officers are being used as instruments of violence and are working with goons,” Wamalwa said. “We are calling on the IEBC to disqualify the UDA candidate for going to the extent of wanting to harm his opponent.”
Malava is considered one of the most competitive constituencies in the ongoing by-elections, with the race seen as a crucial test of strength between the ruling UDA party and the opposition. Similar tensions have been observed in other areas such as Mbeere North and Magarini.
A total of six National Assembly seats are being contested across the country: Magarini (Kilifi), Banissa (Mandera), Mbeere North (Embu), Ugunja (Siaya), Kasipul (Homa Bay), and Malava (Kakamega), in addition to a Senate seat in Baringo County.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is expected to release official results once tallying is completed.
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Malava By-Election: Seth Panyako Claims ‘Assassination Attempt’