Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on President William Ruto to bring United Opposition candidate Seth Panyako on board despite his loss to Broad-Based government candidate David Ndakwa in the recently concluded mini polls.

Speaking at the home of Malava MP-elect David Ndakwa during celebrations of his victory on Friday, November 28, 2025, Barasa emphasised that, as county governor, he believes all candidates who lost in Malava by-elections should be included in advancing the broad-based government agenda, regardless of their political affiliations.

He highlighted that Seth Panyako, who went through a challenging election process and appeared overwhelmed by emotions during voting, deserves a seat at the table and should not be left out.

Barasa also urged the president to consider other candidates who finished third and fourth in the Malava race for government positions.

According to Barasa, just as the President rewarded UDA aspirants who lost in the primaries but threw their support behind David Ndakwa with ambassadorial appointments, similar consideration should be extended to Panyako, despite his affiliation with the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).

“Nataka nikuombe raisi, vijana wote ambao walikuwa kwa kinyangaro, na mheshimiwa wetu David ndakwa wakumbuke, hata Panyako najua amelia sana jana, pia mkumbuke, mimi kama baba wa kaunti nataka serikali ya broad-based iwe an inclusive government tuendelee,” Barasa stated.

Seth Panyako’s loss

The call comes at a time when Seth Panyako appears to be struggling with the loss. He has forgiven those who vandalised his properties, including a hotel in Kaburengu and vehicles used during the campaign, and has chosen not to pursue legal action or seek compensation from the perpetrators.

“Sitalipisha mtu yeyote aliyeharibu mali yangu chochote. mimi na familia yangu tumekaa na kujadaliana. Sisi tumeamua hatutachukua hatua yeyote ya kuwauliza wale wote walioharibu mali yetu kulipa, na wale walioharibu mali hiyo tunawajua. waliongozwa na nabii nabwera, Stanley Livondo, Rashid Echesa, Farouk Kibet na wengineo. Bila shaka yeyote hatutaenda kotini. Mungu ataturidhia.”

Meanwhile, his party, through its deputy party leader George Natembeya, has stated that it will conduct internal consultations before engaging Panyako and may consider legal avenues to challenge the election outcome.