Tensions Mount Ahead of Thursday Vote

MALAVA, KENYA – Allegations of state-sponsored intimidation, voter suppression, and the use of a heavy police presence have marred the final days of campaigning for the Malava constituency by-election scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025. Leaders of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) and the broader United Opposition coalition have accused government actors of a coordinated effort to influence the outcome of the poll in favour of the ruling party's candidate.

The concerns were amplified following a tense standoff on Friday, November 21, 2025, when police officers attempted to block a campaign rally for the opposition's candidate, Seth Panyako. According to media reports and eyewitness accounts, supporters resisted the police action, insisting on their constitutional right to assemble, which allowed the rally to eventually proceed.

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa has been a vocal critic, claiming a plot by the state to use local administrators, including chiefs and their assistants, to illegally purchase National Identity Cards from Panyako's perceived supporters to prevent them from voting. Speaking during a radio interview on Friday, November 15, 2025, Wamalwa alleged that the Interior Ministry was coordinating this effort to suppress voter turnout in opposition strongholds. He has also publicly condemned what he termed as “degrading open voter bribery” by a Kakamega UDA-allied politician, who he accused of distributing relief food and other items meant for disaster victims to influence voters.

A High-Stakes Political Contest

The Malava parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Member of Parliament Moses Malulu Injendi on February 17, 2025. The by-election has since evolved into a significant political showdown, widely viewed as a litmus test for the political alignments in the Western Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The race is primarily a two-horse contest between David Ndakwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who is backed by President William Ruto’s administration, and Seth Panyako of DAP-K, who has been endorsed by the United Opposition. The high stakes are underscored by the heavy deployment of national political figures to the constituency. The UDA campaign has been spearheaded by influential figures such as President Ruto's aide, Farouk Kibet, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula. The opposition's campaign has seen Wamalwa, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale rally support for Panyako.

Claims of Harassment and Official Response

The opposition's candidate, Seth Panyako, has made further allegations, claiming there is a government plan to arrest key opposition leaders, including himself, Wamalwa, and Natembeya, to disrupt their election day operations. These claims were echoed by Senator Boni Khalwale, who on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, reported that his official security detail had been withdrawn without explanation and alleged that he had received information about a plan for his arrest.

In response to the rising tensions, both the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have issued public statements assuring Kenyans of their preparedness for the 24 by-elections taking place concurrently across the country. In a statement on November 25, 2025, the NPS announced the deployment of both uniformed and plainclothes officers to ensure a peaceful process, reiterating its commitment to impartiality. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned against any attempts to disrupt the polls and stated that while security had been heightened in all electoral areas, some volatile regions might see a heavier police presence to ensure order. He dismissed claims of political targeting regarding the withdrawal of VIP security, stating the move was based on police reports concerning the conduct of some officers.

The IEBC has confirmed its readiness for the poll, which will see over 94,000 registered voters cast their ballots. The commission has also stated it is investigating the bribery allegations raised by the opposition. As campaigns officially closed on Monday, November 24, 2025, all eyes are on Malava to see how the security situation and the serious allegations of interference will impact the conduct and outcome of this closely watched election.