The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has nominated Seth Panyako, chairperson of the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), as its direct candidate for the upcoming Malava Constituency by-election.
The announcement was made on Thursday via an official post on X shortly after DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa presented Panyako with the nomination certificate.
The party shared, “Seth Panyako has been handed the DAP-K Direct Nomination Certificate to vie for the Malava Constituency seat in the upcoming by-election. Tukutane ground,” in a message accompanied by their grassroots mobilisation slogan, “Mwamko Mpya.”
Panyako’s nomination follows days of mounting speculation, during which he expressed strong confidence in his candidacy. He reportedly emerged as the front-runner across all seven wards of the constituency, positioning himself as the coalition’s most viable candidate.
Speaking at the event, Wamalwa framed the by-election as a key political litmus test ahead of the 2027 general election.
“The Malava by-election will be a big test for the 2027 elections,” said Wamalwa. “As an opposition coalition, we relied on scientific data to identify our most competitive candidates — just as we did when settling on our deputy presidential candidate in Mbeere.”
However, Panyako’s nomination is already facing legal challenges. A petition filed by fellow aspirant Caleb Burudi seeks to block Panyako from contesting, arguing that he failed to resign from public office within the legally required timeline.
Panyako receiving DAP-K nomination certificate.
Burudi claims that Panyako, a board member at LAPFUND, should have vacated the position by August 15, following the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declaration of the Malava parliamentary seat as vacant on August 8.
The petition argues that this failure renders Panyako ineligible for both party nominations and participation in the by-election.
