A vehicle belonging to Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa was set ablaze by unknown assailants in Manyonje, Butali Ward, as tensions escalated during the Malava by-election. Footage circulated online on Thursday, November 27, 2025, showing the burnt vehicle abandoned in the middle of the road.
The by-election has been marred by high drama involving DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako, who broke down in tears before later being arrested. The party alleges that Panyako has been deliberately targeted through coordinated acts of violence and is currently being held at Malava Police Station.
In a statement on its X account, DAP-K claimed that unidentified assailants, reportedly operating under police supervision, harassed Panyako and his campaign team, injured party agents, and destroyed property. The party vowed to resist any attempts to intimidate its candidate.
Before his arrest, Panyako, who was voting at St Joseph’s Lunyu Primary School, recounted the harrowing experience from the previous night. He described being informed of a possible police raid on their hotel, which never materialized, adding to his distress.
Panyako also raised concerns about Stanley Luvondo, whose vehicle had obscured number plates, and alleged that Luvondo’s team had been moving around the constituency offering bribes. Despite repeated reports to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Panyako said no intervention was taken, heightening the tense atmosphere surrounding his campaign.
“This has been a deeply unsettling period. Despite reporting multiple times to the IEBC, no action was taken. We face threats, harassment, and intimidation, yet we remain committed to participating in this electoral process,” Panyako stated.
The Malava by-election has continued to draw attention for its volatile political environment, with allegations of voter bribery, intimidation, and targeted attacks on opposition figures dominating the discourse.
