Malava by-election: DAP-K claims its candidate Panyako has been arrested
By Ascah Mwango, November 27, 2025Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has claimed that its candidate, Seth Panyako, has been arrested and is being held at Malava Police Station as voters in the constituency cast their ballots in the by-election triggered by the death of former MP Malulu Injendi earlier this year.
In a statement on its X account on Thursday, the party said that Panyako had been targeted by coordinated violence. The party described a tense night during which unidentified assailants, operating under police supervision, harassed Panyako and his campaign team, injured party agents, and destroyed property.
They warned that attempts to intimidate their candidate would not be tolerated.
“Our Candidate, Seth Panyako, has been arrested and is currently being held at Malava Police Station. This, even after goons under police supervision terrorised him the whole night, injured our agents, destroyed property, and now they want to intimidate him. We will not allow!”
Highly politicised
Panyako, who cast his vote at St Joseph’s Lunyu Primary School early, became visibly emotional while recounting the ordeal he faced last night. He said he had received information about a possible police raid on his hotel the previous night, which never happened, but the fear and uncertainty contributed to his distress.
He also detailed the arrival of Stanley Luvondo, whose vehicle had its number plates covered with black seal tape, prompting concern from his team.
Panyako claimed Luvondo’s group had been moving around the constituency offering bribes, and despite repeated reports to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), no intervention had been made.
Panyako also described an incident involving his driver being attacked the previous night, further highlighting the danger and intimidation surrounding his campaign.
The Malava by-election has been highly politicised in recent weeks. Allegations of voter bribery, attempts to sway results, and intimidation of opposition candidates have dominated the campaign. Panyako’s supporters have accused the ruling coalition of using food parcels, cash, and other incentives to influence voters, while raising concerns over the impartiality of local authorities.
Nine candidates are contesting the seat in a constituency with over 94,000 registered voters and 198 polling stations.