MALAVA, KENYA - The Malava constituency parliamentary by-election was plunged into controversy on Thursday, November 27, 2025, amid serious allegations of violence, voter intimidation, and police interference. Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa publicly called for the disqualification of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa, following a reported attack on the DAP-K candidate, Seth Panyako.

The accusations emerged on election day as voting proceeded under heightened security across the constituency's 198 polling stations. Wamalwa alleged that Ndakwa was connected to an assault on Panyako and his team. He also claimed there were attempts to interfere with police operations at polling stations, casting doubt on the credibility and safety of the electoral process. "Any candidate found engaging in violence or attempting to manipulate the electoral process should be immediately disqualified," Wamalwa stated on Thursday.

Seth Panyako, speaking to the media after casting his vote at St. Joseph Lunyu Primary School, claimed there was an assassination attempt on him and his wife on Wednesday night. He alleged that "government-sponsored criminals" attacked his hotel, severely injuring his driver, who is reportedly receiving treatment at Webuye Hospital. Panyako, who was visibly emotional, linked the alleged attack to pre-election polls that he claimed showed him leading the race. A vehicle in a candidate's convoy was also reportedly torched in the Manyonje area on Thursday morning in what local officials described as an act of voter intimidation.

In response to the allegations, UDA candidate David Ndakwa dismissed them as "sideshows" and "blackmail" from his opponents. After casting his vote at Mukongolo polling station, Ndakwa asserted that he had conducted a peaceful campaign and urged voters to turn out without fear. "I am trying to show exemplary leadership by putting humility first... I don't have to let people bleed for me to lead," Ndakwa said, expressing confidence in his victory. The UDA party, through its Secretary-General Hassan Omar, had earlier refuted broader opposition claims of planned rigging in various by-elections, calling them a predictable tactic from a camp sensing defeat.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service are reportedly investigating the claims. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, speaking on Tuesday, November 25, acknowledged awareness of circulating videos allegedly showing voter bribery in Malava but stated the commission could not act without a formal complaint. He urged all parties to adhere to the electoral code of conduct, which prohibits violence, intimidation, and bribery. The National Police Service had assured the public of enhanced security for the by-elections taking place in 22 electoral areas nationwide.

The Malava by-election, occasioned by the death of Member of Parliament Malulu Injendi in February 2025, is considered a significant political contest in Western Kenya. The race has been framed as a two-horse race between Ndakwa, representing the ruling UDA party, and Panyako, the candidate for the united opposition. The high stakes have attracted national political figures to the campaign trail, intensifying the rivalry between the Kenya Kwanza government and the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election. As of Thursday morning, UDA and David Ndakwa had not issued a formal, comprehensive response to the specific allegations made by Wamalwa and Panyako on election day. Voting is continuing under the watch of a heavy security presence.