Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has outlined the next steps for the united opposition after Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako lost in the Malava mini polls.

Speaking during a press briefing in Kakamega Town on Friday, November 28, 2025, while accompanied by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Natembeya appeared visibly disappointed and blamed the loss on what he described as state interference and unfair conduct during the by-election.

He stated that the opposition is currently consulting internally and will also engage Seth Panyako on the possibility of pursuing legal action, arguing that the events witnessed in Malava amounted to criminal activity, and they want it settled in court.

“We are consulting as a team. We also want to consult with the candidate Seth Panyako for pursuing this matter in court, because what happened in Malava was a crime and criminals were deployed,” Natembeya stated.

According to Natembeya, opposition leaders were intimidated, with some like him and Khalwale having their security withdrawn on the eve of voting.

He added that there was heavy deployment of police officers and an unusual level of involvement from the Interior Ministry, which he insisted compromised the credibility of the election.

Natembeya condemned the violence that marred the by-elections, noting that Malava experienced the worst incidents, followed closely by other areas. He referenced deaths reported in Chwele, Kabuchai, and claimed that opposition leaders were even shot at, signalling what he described as the government’s determination to win the elections at any cost.

 In his view, democratic principles were abandoned in an attempt to project government popularity.

Voter bribery

He criticised what he termed a hollow or pyrrhic victory, where one wins while suffering severe losses. Natembeya argued that the government spent millions of shillings on bribery, including distributing rice, money, and appointment letters, while the opposition spent less than Ksh5 million.

Despite the bribery, according to Natembeya, the government’s candidate won by a small margin, thanking Malava locals for their commitment and patriotism.

Natembeya added that many voters changed their decisions at the polling stations after being given Ksh500, since the economic hardships bedevilling the region make them fall for such inducements.

Natembeya further affirmed that they have no alternative but to pursue the matter other than the courts.

He insisted that if bribery, intimidation, and misuse of state machinery were removed, the ruling side would not be able to secure even 10,000 votes in Malava.