The political landscape of the Malava constituency by-election has been significantly altered after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Edgar Busiega Mwanga officially withdrew from the race on Thursday, 30 October 2025. In a move described as a strategic effort to consolidate the opposition vote, Mwanga announced he would be supporting Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K). This decision solidifies Panyako as the sole candidate for the United Opposition coalition in the upcoming poll scheduled for Thursday, 27 November 2025.

The announcement was made following extensive consultations among leaders of the United Opposition, which includes DAP-K, Wiper, PLP, and DCP. DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, speaking at his residence in Makunga, Kakamega, stated that the decision was based on a scientific survey indicating Panyako was the stronger candidate to challenge the ruling party's contender. "Busiega has his support, yes, but he knew if we both get to the ballot, we'll lose," Malala explained, framing the move as a crucial step towards Luhya unity. In exchange for stepping down, Mwanga has been promised the top spot on the DCP's nomination list for the National Assembly in the 2027 General Election.

High-Stakes By-Election

The Malava parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Member of Parliament Moses Malulu Injendi on 17 February 2025. The resulting by-election is widely seen as a critical test of political strength in the Western Kenya region ahead of 2027. The contest now pits Panyako, the Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), directly against David Ndakwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The race is further complicated by the fact that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), through Kakamega County Chairman Fernandes Barasa, has thrown its weight behind the UDA's Ndakwa, creating unusual cross-party alliances.

President William Ruto's administration is heavily invested in the race, with the President himself touring Malava to drum up support for Ndakwa on the same day the opposition announced its unified front. The UDA campaign is also being spearheaded by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and presidential aide Farouk Kibet, signaling the national importance attached to securing the seat.

A Test for New Parties and Alliances

The withdrawal is a significant moment for the recently formed DCP, which was officially launched by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on 15 May 2025. The party, running on a platform of "Skiza Wakenya" (Listen to Kenyans), aims to be a national outfit rooted in inclusivity and accountability. This decision in Malava marks the fourth instance where the DCP has withdrawn a candidate to support a coalition partner, demonstrating a broader strategy of opposition unity.

Mwanga, a 37-year-old lawyer and founder of Busiega Mwanga and Co. Advocates, was seen as a promising candidate aiming to challenge the political status quo in the constituency. In his statement, he emphasized that his support for Panyako was unconditional, stating, "Malava is bigger than an individual... I have dealt with Panyako for years as his attorney and want to say I have left my people in safe hands."

Divisions and Endorsements

The race has also exposed fissures within the ruling UDA coalition. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, a senior UDA member, has publicly defied his party by endorsing and actively campaigning for the opposition's Panyako. Khalwale's actions have led to a disciplinary summons from UDA but have provided a significant boost to the Panyako campaign, which also enjoys the backing of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa. Wamalwa has described the by-election as a "defining moment for Western Kenya's political future." Panyako's own nomination was not without controversy, as a fellow DAP-K aspirant, Caleb Burudi, had filed a petition challenging his eligibility, though the party ultimately awarded Panyako a direct ticket. With the opposition now united behind a single candidate, the stage is set for an intense political showdown in Malava that will have repercussions across the region.