Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, accused senior state-aligned figures of engaging in systemic voter bribery to influence the outcome of the hotly contested Malava constituency by-election. Speaking during a final campaign rally in Malava town, Kakamega County, Wamalwa alleged a coordinated effort to distribute money and goods to sway voters towards the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa. These claims have intensified the political climate just two days before residents head to the polls on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

The by-election, necessitated by the death of former MP Malulu Injendi in February 2025, has evolved into a significant political showdown between the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition. The race is primarily between UDA's Ndakwa and DAP-K's Seth Panyako, the Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN). Wamalwa's allegations add a contentious layer to what is already considered a crucial test of political strength in the vote-rich Western region.

"We have evidence of state officers and senior politicians allied with the ruling party moving around at night, distributing cash and other inducements to our people," Wamalwa stated at the rally on Tuesday evening. "They are using public resources to subvert the will of the people of Malava. This is a direct assault on our democracy."

Wamalwa’s accusations follow earlier claims he made on October 8, 2025, alleging that Panyako had been offered up to KSh 100 million to withdraw from the race, an offer he reportedly rejected. These allegations were echoed by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which also claimed state-sponsored efforts were underway to bribe aspirants to step down in favour of the UDA candidate.

High-Stakes Political Contest

The Malava by-election is more than a local contest; it is a battleground for national political influence. The Kenya Kwanza coalition has deployed significant resources and high-profile figures to campaign for Ndakwa, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, and influential presidential aide Farouk Kibet, who has been a constant presence on the campaign trail. Their message has centered on the importance of Malava aligning with the national government to foster development.

In response, the opposition has rallied behind Panyako, with leaders such as Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya making appearances to bolster his campaign. They have framed the election as a referendum on the government's performance and a chance for the region to assert its independence. The intense campaigning has been marked by tensions, including a police attempt to block an opposition rally on Friday, November 21, 2025.

IEBC and Security Agencies on High Alert

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and national security agencies have stated they are on high alert to ensure a free and fair election. In response to rising tensions and claims of malpractice in various upcoming by-elections, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has warned that the commission will strictly enforce electoral laws. A video circulating on social media, allegedly showing a Kakamega politician distributing mattresses and cash, has drawn the IEBC's attention, though the commission stated it could not verify the context of the video.

The National Police Service has assured the public of comprehensive security measures, deploying both uniformed and plainclothes officers to all 22 electoral areas holding by-elections on Thursday. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a stern warning on Monday, November 24, 2025, stating that anyone attempting to cause chaos would face the "full wrath of the law."

Under Kenya's Election Offences Act, 2016, voter bribery is a serious crime. A person convicted of offering a bribe to influence a voter faces a fine of up to KSh 2 million, a prison term of up to six years, or both. The law also allows for the disqualification of candidates or parties found guilty of such malpractices. Despite these stringent penalties, voter bribery remains a persistent challenge in Kenyan elections. As the people of Malava prepare to vote, the allegations have cast a spotlight on the integrity of the electoral process, with the conduct of the IEBC and security forces under close scrutiny.