IEBC Declares DCP Candidate’s Withdrawal Null, Blow to Rigathi Gachagua Ahead of Malava By-Election

STESHA Posted on 11 months ago 2 minutes read

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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizen Party (DCP), has been dealt a major political setback following the latest pronouncement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, DCP’s Malava Constituency candidate, Hon. Edgar Busiega, announced his withdrawal from the upcoming by-election, endorsing Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K). The move was intended to unite opposition forces ahead of the November 27 poll.

However, IEBC has since declared Busiega’s withdrawal null and void, stating that the deadline for candidates to step down elapsed on October 11. Malava Returning Officer Salim Abdala confirmed to K24 Digital that Busiega’s name will remain on the ballot.

“As far as we are concerned, that is a rumour. Busiega’s name will be on the ballot come November 27, and if he wins, we will declare him as such,” Abdala said, dismissing the announcement as political rhetoric.

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Busiega’s decision to step aside reportedly came after mounting financial strain and pressure from DCP leadership to back Panyako in a show of opposition unity. He made the announcement at the home of DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malalah, in the presence of Panyako.

The development exposes growing cracks within Gachagua’s party and raises doubts about DCP’s strength in the Western region. Despite Busiega’s endorsement, analysts predict a divided opposition, with Panyako still facing competition from Wilberforce Tuvei of the Kenya Moja Movement.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa is expected to face fierce opposition next week as top Azimio and DAP-K leaders descend on Malava to campaign for Panyako.