In a stunning political claim, Malava parliamentary hopeful Seth Panyako has alleged the government offered him a Cabinet Secretary position just days after he lost a bitterly contested by-election. Panyako, who ran on the opposition's DAP-K ticket, termed the alleged offer "the highest level of inhumanity," considering the violent and intimidating circumstances of the campaign.

The allegation adds a toxic new layer to the fallout from the November 27th Malava by-election, a high-stakes race framed as a major political test for both President William Ruto’s administration and the opposition. It raises urgent questions about the government's tactics in a crucial political battleground and the integrity of the democratic process for ordinary Kenyans struggling with the cost of living.

Panyako narrowly lost the seat to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa, who garnered 21,564 votes against Panyako's 20,210. The by-election, held to replace the late MP Malulu Injendi, was a focal point of national political tension.

A Campaign Marred by Bitter Accusations

The path to polling day was anything but smooth. Panyako and his allies repeatedly sounded the alarm over what they described as a coordinated campaign of fear and manipulation. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa accused police of harassment, while Panyako himself made explosive allegations of an assassination attempt against him and his wife. The claims followed a raid on his hotel by what he termed government-backed goons.

Throughout the campaign, the opposition camp detailed numerous alleged electoral malpractices designed to sway the vote in the government's favour. These included:

• Widespread voter bribery, with opposition leaders claiming large sums of money were used to coerce voters.
• The alleged introduction of 10,000 pre-marked ballot papers facilitated by a State House aide to rig the outcome.
• Systematic intimidation of Panyako's supporters and family, forcing some to flee their homes.
• Allegations of direct interference by state actors to subvert the will of the people.

While the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) acknowledged the claims, it noted that no formal complaints had been filed through the proper channels to trigger a full investigation.

A History of Principled Opposition?

This is not the first time Panyako has claimed to have been offered a senior government post. The former Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary-General, once a UDA Vice Chairperson, has stated he was offered a cabinet role in 2022 which he also rejected. He resigned from his UDA party position in 2023, citing disagreements with the Kenya Kwanza administration over the controversial housing levy and its failure to lower the cost of living.

Speaking on a radio interview, Panyako noted that his supporters in his home area of Kabras had urged him not to join what he called a "bloody government," reinforcing his decision to reject the latest alleged offer. As of the time of this report, government officials have not publicly responded to Panyako's bribery allegations.

The unresolved accusations from the Malava contest cast a long shadow over the result. They set a tense and distrustful precedent for future elections, leaving Kenyan voters to ponder the true price of political loyalty and the challenges of ensuring their voice is heard without interference.