Malava race tests opposition unity as DCP fields a candidate
The DCP candidate in Malava, a few days after Rigathi Gachagua, said the party won't field where Wiper and DAP-K have strong following. Photo/Courtesy
The Malava parliamentary by-election has become a flashpoint in Kenya’s opposition politics as parties disagree over who should represent United Opposition in the contest.
At the center of the clash is the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which insists its candidate Edgar Busiega Mwanga remains in the race, despite calls from coalition partners to support Seth Panyako of DAP-K.
In statements released in September 2025, DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga firmly denied claims that Busiega had withdrawn.
“These reports are false and misleading,” Obaga said.
“Edgar Busiega remains firmly in the race, and we are confident of victory come 27th November 2025.”
He urged supporters to ignore distractions and focus on campaign work.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala echoed the position later in the month: “We have not withdrawn any candidate, and I’m addressing this issue in the case of Malava constituency,” he said.
Mr Malala argued that if any partner should consider withdrawal for the sake of coalition unity, it should not be DCP.
“Today, this is an affirmation that the DCP party will be fielding a candidate in Malava constituency in the name of Wakili Edgar Busiega Mwanga.”
Meanwhile, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has called on United Opposition partners to rally behind Seth Panyako, who secured a direct ticket from DAP-K after a “scientific poll” showed him significantly ahead of rivals.
The support from Mr Wamalwa is pitched as vital to avoiding vote splitting and strengthening the opposition’s chances.
Mr Wamalwa dismissed claims that Mr Panyako’s candidacy was flawed, despite a petition by fellow aspirant Caleb Burudi that sought to disqualify him for allegedly failing to resign from a board in time.
Mr Panyako defended his eligibility, arguing that LAPFUND is not a state corporation and that his board role does not count as a public office under the law.
“LAPFUND is not a state corporation. It doesn’t receive any money from the exchequer. I nominated myself to represent workers — I was not appointed by the government,” he said.
Adding to the tension, DCP’s Malala challenged Mr Mudavadi’s remarks that DCP lacks experience. He told constituents that what matters is not how long a party has been around, but whether its candidate can win and serve.
In Mr Malala’s view, DCP is not merely experimenting — it is staking claim to opposition space.
Another voice in the debate is George Natembeya, Trans Nzoia Governor, who publicly endorsed Mr Panyako. He described him as “the best chance for the opposition” in Malava.
The seat fell vacant after the death of MP Moses Malulu Injendi.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) set the by-election date for 27 November 2025.
Many see this contest as a litmus test for how united the opposition can remain ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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