DAP-Kenya’s Seth Panyako Dumps Opposition, Returns to Ruto’s UDA Ahead of 2027 Race
Former Democratic Action Party (DAP)-Kenya politician Seth Panyako has officially returned to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), marking a dramatic political comeback just over a year after abandoning the ruling party and becoming one of its fiercest critics.
The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary General made the announcement on Thursday, July 17, confirming that he will contest the Malava parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket in the 2027 General Election.
His declaration signals a major shift in Western Kenya’s political landscape and comes months after he narrowly lost the Malava parliamentary by-election while contesting under the opposition-backed DAP-Kenya banner.
Announcing his decision through his social media platforms, Panyako left little doubt about his political intentions.
“I will be vying for the Member of Parliament, Malava Constituency, on the UDA Party ticket in the 2027 General Election,” he stated.
The outspoken union leader also dismissed speculation that he was planning to seek a Senate seat, insisting that such reports were politically motivated.
“Those who are claiming that I will be vying for a Senate seat, I want to tell you that that is propaganda,” Panyako said.
In a separate message, he hinted at an upcoming homecoming event where he is expected to formally unveil his political roadmap and rally supporters behind his renewed bid.
“Homecoming soon. Stay tuned for the official date and venue. Malava people first,” he wrote.
From Fierce Critic to UDA Return
Panyako’s return represents one of the most notable political reversals in recent months.
In May 2023, he sensationally resigned as UDA Vice Chairman, accusing President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration of abandoning the promises it made to Kenyans during the 2022 General Election.
At the time, he strongly opposed the Finance Bill, 2023, arguing that new tax measures, including the housing levy, had worsened the burden on ordinary citizens instead of easing the cost of living.
He maintained that he could no longer defend government policies that he believed contradicted the coalition’s campaign pledges and insisted his loyalty lay with struggling Kenyans.
Following his resignation, Panyako joined Eugene Wamalwa-led DAP-Kenya, where he emerged as one of the opposition figures openly critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Malava Contest Set for Another Showdown
Panyako’s latest announcement comes after his spirited performance in the Malava parliamentary by-election held in November last year.
Running on a DAP-Kenya ticket, he mounted a strong challenge but narrowly lost to UDA candidate David Ndakwa, who secured 21,564 votes against Panyako’s 20,210 votes.
His decision to return to UDA is expected to reshape political alignments in Kakamega County as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political observers are likely to watch closely whether his return strengthens the ruling party’s influence in the region or sparks fresh divisions among local leaders who backed him while he was in the opposition.
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