The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed that Democracy for the Citizen Party (DCP) candidate Edgar Busiega will remain on the ballot for the Malava parliamentary by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025, despite his public declaration to withdraw from the race.
Busiega had announced his withdrawal on Thursday, October 30, 2025, reportedly to boost the opposition’s chances by supporting Seth Ambusini Panyako of the DAP-K party. However, the IEBC has clarified that his withdrawal came after the legal deadline and therefore cannot be effected.
Speaking to K24 Digital, Malava Constituency Returning Officer Salim Abdala dismissed Busiega’s statement as “political rhetoric,” insisting that his name will still appear on the ballot.
“As far as we are concerned, that is a rumour. Busiega’s name will be on the ballot come November 27, 2025, and if he wins, we declare him as such,” Abdala stated.
The IEBC official explained that the deadline for candidate changes was October 11, 2025, after which no alterations could be made to the ballot.
“At the expiry of the time allowed, no candidate’s name can be expunged from the ballot paper,” he added.
Busiega’s decision to withdraw reportedly followed financial strain and pressure from DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua, who is said to have urged him to unite behind the opposition to consolidate support for Panyako.
The announcement was made during a meeting at the Shikomari home of Cleophas Malala, DCP’s deputy party leader and Busiega’s political mentor, in the presence of Panyako and a crowd of supporters.
The development has brought together two long-time political rivals, Malala and Panyako, who have faced off in multiple contests including the 2017 Kakamega senatorial race and the 2022 parliamentary election.
However, despite Busiega’s exit, the opposition vote in Malava remains deeply divided. Panyako still faces competition from Wilberforce Tuvei of the Kenya Moja Movement, raising questions about whether Busiega’s move will effectively consolidate opposition support.
Meanwhile, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa is set to face a formidable challenge as top opposition figures Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party of Kenya), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party), and George Luchiri Wajackoya (Roots Party) are expected to descend on Malava on November 3, 2025, to campaign for Panyako.
