Malava, Kenya — In a dramatic political turn, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s preferred candidate in the Malava Constituency by-election, Edgar Busiega, has officially withdrawn from the race.
Sources close to the campaign revealed that Busiega’s decision follows a series of high-level consultations that culminated in an agreement to back the Democratic Action Party (DAP–Kenya) candidate Seth Panyako.
Speaking to The Kenya Times, Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Wakhungu Malalah confirmed the move, saying it was reached after “intensive and honest discussions” between the leadership of the two parties.
Malalah stated that the withdrawal was a show of political maturity and unity aimed at consolidating support in the region.
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“We have decided to withdraw our candidate, Edgar Busiega, from the Malava race and instead support DAP–Kenya’s Seth Panyako. This decision was made in the spirit of partnership and to strengthen our influence ahead of the 2027 general election,” Malalah said.
He further revealed that in exchange, DAP–Kenya has agreed to withdraw its candidate in the Kisa East Ward contest in favor of the DCP party’s nominee.
According to Malalah, this mutual understanding marks the beginning of a broader cooperation between the two political movements in Western Kenya.
Political analysts view the deal as a strategic realignment that could reshape alliances in the region. The by-election in Malava had been seen as a test of strength between emerging political blocs aligned to Kenya Kwanza and Azimio factions.
With Busiega’s withdrawal, the contest now appears to favor Panyako, a well-known figure in Kakamega politics and a close ally of Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.
The announcement has sent ripples across the political landscape, with supporters of both camps praising the move as a smart and unifying gesture.
Others, however, have criticized Gachagua’s camp for what they term as “a sign of retreat” in Western Kenya politics.
As campaigns intensify ahead of the by-election, all eyes now turn to Seth Panyako, who emerges as the frontrunner with new backing from DCP and the endorsement of former Gachagua allies.
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