The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Edgar Busiega Mwanga has officially withdrawn from the Malava Constituency parliamentary race, declaring his support for DAP-K’s Seth Panyako.

The announcement was made by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala during a meeting in Malava and confirmed by DAP-K through a post on X on October 30, 2025.

Also Watch: Abasonje clan endorses Edgar Busiega, rejects external interference in Malava MP race.

The move is seen as part of a broader plan to unite opposition parties ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-election, where Panyako will face UDA’s David Ndakwa.

Opposition seeks unity

The withdrawal marks a coordinated effort by the United Opposition coalition, comprising DAP-K, Wiper, PLP, DCP, and DP, to consolidate support behind a single candidate. Cleophas Malalah described the decision as a show of unity within the Western Kenya political bloc.

“Umoja ya Waluhya haifaii kuchezewa mara nyingine. Jamii yetu imekuwa ya kutengwa na kuonewa, lakini tumesema kwa sababu sisi wote tunaangazia kuweka jamii yetu pamoja, we must lead by example, and mambo ya ugomvi badala ya unity tunatupilia mbali leo,” Malalah said.

He reiterated the coalition’s broader mission, adding, “Tunajua vizuri sana chama cha DAP-K, Wiper, PLU, DCP na DP, tuko katika muungano wa United Opposition ni kuhakikisha William Ruto ametoka mamlakani.”

Malalah further revealed that the decision followed extensive consultations among opposition leaders.

“Katika hizi by-election zetu zote, tumekubaliana na viongozi wetu wote ndiposa tumekaa chini kwa muda mrefu tukaangalia tukakubaliana kwamba tutachagua mmoja wao apeperushe bendera ya United Opposition katika by-election,” he explained.

Edgar Busiega’s future in DCP

To recognise Busiega’s gesture, Malalah confirmed that he will remain a key figure within DCP. “Cha pili ni kuwa huyu Edgar pia ni kijana na atataka kuongoza siku moja, na tuliongea na Edgar akasema alikuwa anataka sana kurepresent watu wa Kabras katika bunge lakini tukaongea na yeye na kiongozi wangu wa chama Rigathi Gachagua na tumekubaliana nataka kutangaza ndio mashabiki wa Edgar wajue,” Malalah stated.

He added, “Tumekubaliana kwamba katika nomination list ya National Assembly ya chama cha DCP, Edgar Busiega is number one on that list to be nominated as the first of DCP.”

“Wakili Edgar Busiega Mwanga, who was vying for the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat on DCP, has officially stepped down and backed DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako. As the United Opposition, we now have one candidate in the upcoming by-election,” the DAP-K statement read.

Panyako gains momentum

The campaign for Panyako has gathered speed with the backing of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who have been holding joint rallies across Malava. Khalwale’s decision to support Panyako over UDA’s Ndakwa has caused divisions within UDA, leading to a disciplinary summons against him.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has termed the by-election a defining moment for Western Kenya’s political future. He said, “Among the competitors, he is leading by a double margin, with UDA’s Ndakwa following at a distance.”

Political analyst Herman Manyora noted, “If Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa unleashes Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Malava, it will be an early win for Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) chair Seth Panyako in the Malava mini polls.”