The United Opposition candidate in the upcoming Malava parliamentary race, Seth Panyako, has claimed there is a plan to arrest several opposition politicians as the country gears up for the upcoming by-election across the nation.

In a statement on his X page on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Panyako also alleged an elaborate plan to manipulate the elections through influencing voters through bribery.

According to Panyako, the government is plotting to crack down on the opposition candidates as it seeks to impose its candidate on the people.

Arresting Natembeya

“I am aware they are planning to use police to intimidate and harass key people in our campaign, including George Natembeya, Eugene Wamalawa, (Boni) Khalwale, and myself, to steal an election they have lost,” he revealed.

The aspirant placed three key regional leaders, including Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, at the centre of the scheme.

“I have evidence that Nabii Nabwera, Rachid Echesa, and Farouk Kibet are planning mayhem in wards across Malava. They have received Ksh30 million for the chaos they want to cause. I want to warn them that the heinous acts they are planning will be resisted. We are ready to die for the rights of the people of Malava and the entire country,” he added.

He warned them that they would soon know the region belonged to the people of Malava.

Also watch: IEBC declares full readiness ahead of high-stakes Malava by-election.

Accusations and counter-accusations

Panyako further challenged the security operations to swing into action and avert the possibility of deaths.

“I also want the institutions responsible for maintaining law and order to thwart their plan to cause mayhem and deaths,” he added.

His remarks come as allegations of accusations and counter-accusations continue to rend the air with only a day to the decisive polls.

On Tuesday, the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP–K) Malava parliamentary candidate raised serious concerns over rising political tension and intimidation in Malava, accusing state actors of attempting to influence local politics through fear, harassment, and interference.

His remarks follow after Natembeya warned the government against attempts to manipulate the process during his campaign in Malava.

Natembeya urged the Gen Zs in the constituency to remain vigilant and guard their votes, stating that he will personally camp at the scene for the same purpose.