The race for the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat has taken a new twist after Edgar Busiega Mwanga, who was contesting on a Democratic Congress Party (DCP) ticket, officially withdrew from the by-election and endorsed DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 20, 2025, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) confirmed the development, describing it as a strategic move to unify the opposition and enhance its chances in the upcoming poll.
“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 on X.
United Opposition Front
The announcement was widely welcomed by opposition leaders, including Cleophas Malala, who lauded the decision as a demonstration of solidarity and shared purpose.
“Tumekubaliana kwamba sisi wote tusimame nyuma ya Seth Panyako,” Malala stated, emphasizing the importance of presenting a single united front in Malava.
Addressing the media, Seth Panyako expressed gratitude to Busiega and party leaders for their confidence and unity. He praised the spirit of cooperation between the DCP and DAP-K, noting that such alliances are essential for strengthening the opposition’s presence in Western Kenya.
“Ningependa kumshukuru kinara wa DCP, Gachagua, na naibu wake Cleophas Malala kwa kufanya huu uamuzi. Pia namshukuru kinara wa chama changu mheshimiwa Eugene Wamalwa na naibu wake George Natembeya,” Panyako said.
He also thanked the people of Malava for their continued support and commended Busiega for prioritizing unity over personal ambition.
“Ndugu yangu Edgar, nakushukuru sana. Nitahakikisha tunaendelea kushirikiana kwa manufaa ya wananchi wa Malava,” he added.
Symbol of Luhya Unity
Panyako underscored that the decision to consolidate support behind one candidate goes beyond politics it symbolizes the renewed spirit of unity and respect within the Luhya community.
“Kushinda kiti cha Malava haitakuwa ushindi wa United Opposition pekee, bali ushindi wa heshima kwa jamii ya Mluya,” he said.
With Busiega’s withdrawal, Panyako now stands as the sole candidate for the united opposition and will face contenders from other political formations in what is shaping up to be a closely contested by-election.
The united opposition has hailed the endorsement as a major milestone in consolidating its influence in Western Kenya’s political landscape ahead of future national contests.
