KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Two opposition parties have struck a deal to back a single candidate against the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election slated for November 27.
The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) and the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) announced on Sunday that they will field DAP-K’s Seth Panyako as their joint candidate, setting up a two-horse race against UDA’s David Ndakwa.
The announcement followed a two-hour meeting at the Kakamega home of DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, attended by Panyako and DCP’s Edgar Busiega, who agreed to withdraw from the contest.
Busiega said his decision to step aside was driven by a desire to promote unity and safeguard the interests of the Luhya community.
“Malava is bigger than any individual. I have dealt with Panyako for years as his attorney, and I know my people are in safe hands,” Busiega said. “We’re looking at this from the perspective of Luhya unity.”
Panyako, a former UDA member, described the alliance as the beginning of a broader movement to consolidate the region’s political strength.
“I left UDA and declined the ODM ticket because I wanted to reclaim the dignity of our community,” he said, accusing unnamed opponents of “buying people” in Malava.
Malala, who played a central role in brokering the deal, said DCP’s decision was informed by internal polling that showed Panyako had stronger local support.
“We knew that if both Busiega and Panyako went to the ballot, we would lose. After a scientific survey, we agreed to rally behind Panyako,” Malala said.
He added that Busiega would receive first consideration for the DCP parliamentary ticket in 2027, following consultations with party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
In a reciprocal move, Malala announced that DAP-K would withdraw its candidate in the Kisa East ward by-election in favour of the DCP candidate, saying the two parties had agreed to extend their cooperation beyond Malava.
The two parties plan to formally unveil their candidates on Monday.
The opposition alliance’s announcement came as President William Ruto began a four-day development tour of Western Kenya, starting in Kakamega County, where he drummed up support for UDA’s Ndakwa and launched a series of local projects.
The by-election, triggered by the nullification of the 2022 results, is expected to be a key test of political strength in a region seen as a crucial battleground ahead of the 2027 general elections.
