NAIROBI, Kenya — Trade unionist Seth Panyako has officially left the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) and rejoined the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), declaring his intention to contest the Malava parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Panyako confirmed his return to President William Ruto’s party, marking a political comeback to the outfit he left in 2023.
“I will be vying for the Member of Parliament, Malava Constituency, on the UDA Party ticket in the 2027 General Election,” Panyako announced.
Dismisses Kakamega Senate Speculation
Panyako also dismissed reports linking him to the Kakamega Senate race, insisting his political focus remains on reclaiming the Malava parliamentary seat.
“Those talking about the senator seat, that is just propaganda,” he said.
Return Comes After Malava By-Election Loss
His decision to return to UDA comes months after he unsuccessfully contested the Malava parliamentary by-election.
Panyako, who contested on a DAP-K ticket, lost to Daniel Ndakwa, the UDA candidate.
According to the official results:
- Daniel Ndakwa (UDA): 21,564 votes
- Seth Panyako (DAP-K): 20,210 votes
Following the by-election, Panyako disputed the outcome, alleging that the results had been manipulated.
“We won in 134 out of 198 polling stations, but still they managed to manipulate and subvert the will of the people. They used 54 polling stations to steal the elections,” he claimed.
The allegations reflected Panyako’s position. Electoral authorities upheld the declared results.
Political Return to UDA
Panyako’s latest move marks a return to the party he exited in May 2023.
At the time, he announced his resignation from UDA leadership, saying he had disagreed with the government’s position on the Finance Bill 2023.
He previously claimed that President Ruto had informed him that he could not continue serving as a UDA official while opposing the party’s legislative agenda.
“I asked the President what he wanted me to do. He replied, ‘Things cannot continue this way. You will have to step down from the UDA leadership.’ I agreed and stepped down from the party’s leadership,” Panyako said in 2023.
Political Realignments Ahead of 2027
Panyako’s return to UDA comes amid increasing political realignments as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His decision is expected to reshape political competition in Malava Constituency, where he will seek to secure the ruling party’s nomination before challenging for the parliamentary seat.
