DAP’s Edgar Busiega quits Malava parliamentary race, endorses Seth Panyako
Edgar Busiega Mwanga has officially withdrawn from the Malava Constituency parliamentary by-election and endorsed DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako.
Busiega, who was vying on a DCP ticket, stepped down to support Panyako as part of a new agreement within the united opposition.
You might also like
DAP-K, on Thursday, October 20, 2025, confirmed the development in a statement on X, saying the move is aimed at strengthening the opposition’s chances in the upcoming by-election. “Wakili Edgar Busiega Mwanga, who was vying for the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat on DCP, has officially stepped down and backed DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako. As the United Opposition, we now have one candidate in the upcoming by-election,” the party said.
Also Watch: DCP’s Edgar Busiega Steps Down for Panyako in Malava By-Election
United support
The announcement was also backed by key figures in the opposition, including Cleophas Malala, who praised the decision as a show of unity.
“Tumekubaliana kwamba, sisi wote tuende tusimame nyuma ya Seth Panyako,” Malala said.
Panyako, who will now represent the united opposition in the race, while addressing the press, thanked Busiega for stepping aside and pledged to honour the trust placed in him by various party leaders. He also expressed gratitude to leaders across both parties for supporting the move to consolidate opposition strength.
“Kwanza kabisa ningependa kumshukuru kinara wa chama cha DCP, Gachagua, na naibu wake Cleophas Malala kwa kufanya huu uamuzi. Pia ningependa kushukuru kinara wa chama changu mheshimiwa Eugene Wamalwa na naibu wake George Natembeya,” Panyako said.
He went on to appreciate the people of Malava for their continued support and specifically thanked Busiega for his gesture. “Ningependa kushukuru wale ambao wanatuunga mkono pale Malava. Ndugu yangu Edgar, nakushukuru sana. Nami pia nitakusukuma wakati mwingine,” he added.
Panyako said the decision to unite behind one candidate was not only political but also symbolic of the desire to restore respect and unity among the Luhya community. “Nina uhakika kwamba kushinda kiti cha Malava haitakua ushindi wa United Opposition, bali itakua ushindi wa kuleta heshima kwa jamii ya Mluya,” he said.
With Busiega’s withdrawal, DAP-K’s Seth Panyako will now face candidates from other political parties in what is expected to be a closely watched by-election. The united opposition has termed the endorsement as a major step toward strengthening their influence in Western Kenya politics.
