The United Opposition coalition has stepped up its campaigns in Western Kenya, launching the final phase of its joint push for the November 27 Malava parliamentary by-election.

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa on Friday welcomed Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other coalition principals to Kisumu as they prepared to intensify rallies across the region.

“This is our third and final leg of our joint campaigns for our candidate for the Malava Parliamentary seat by election, @PanyakoSeth, Kutoka Magarini hadi Magaribi,” Wamalwa posted on X on November 21.

Opposition joins Panyako’s campaign

The delegation features former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, and DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala.

Former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who endorsed DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako earlier in the month, is expected to join the campaign trail on Saturday after returning to the country.

Also watch: Natembeya and Khalwale storm Malava to campaign for Seth Panyako

The Malava tour follows joint campaigns in Mbeere North for DCP’s Newton Karish and in Magarini for DCP’s Stanley Kenga Karisa.

The coalition is now focusing its efforts on Malava, where Panyako narrowly lost in 2022 to the late Malulu Injendi by about 2,000 votes.

Cross-party backing and a tight race

Panyako has drawn support from across the political divide. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has rallied behind him despite being a senior UDA figure, while Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka have also endorsed his bid.

DCP candidate Edgar Busiega withdrew from the race earlier, with Malala leading his supporters to back Panyako.

The contest, however, remains competitive. UDA candidate David Ndakwa is receiving strong backing from Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and other county officials.

Also watch: Opposition warns of intimidation, says govt fears defeat in Mbeere North

ODM has also endorsed Ndakwa, adding to the intensity of the by-election.

Claims of voter suppression

Wamalwa has previously cited attempts by state officials to undermine voter participation in Malava. On November 15, he accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of directing administrators to buy national IDs from Panyako’s supporters.

“Ukiwa mpiga kura wa Malava, huwezi piga kura bila ID,” he said, urging voters to safeguard their documents.

“Your decision is made; now our attention turns to ensuring your will is not subverted by those in the system who are planning to use chiefs, assistant chiefs and village elders to buy IDs and spoil your votes,” Wamalwa later posted.

With six days to go, the Malava by-election is emerging as a key test of political strength in Western Kenya. The coalition leaders are expected to hold rallies across the constituency before concluding with a major event ahead of voting day.