Former KANU stalwart Cyrus Jirongo has endorsed Seth Panyako in the Malava parliamentary by-election set for November 27, 2025.

The endorsement was delivered on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Malava by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa.

He announced that Jirongo, who is currently out of the country, called to express his support for Panyako, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) chairperson.

“Cyrus Jirongo ambaye ako nje ya nchi amenipigia simu akaniambia anaunga Seth Panyako mkono,” Wamalwa stated. The endorsement is seen as a boost to Panyako’s campaign as the race for Malava intensifies.

Campaign gains momentum

Wamalwa has joined forces with Kakamega Senator and Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale to rally support for Panyako ahead of the poll. Although they belong to different parties – Wamalwa in DAP-K and Khalwale in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) – both leaders attended a bullfighting event at Mahira Grounds in Malava on October 4. The event aimed to entertain residents and promote Panyako’s candidacy.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya also joined the rally, urging locals to support Panyako. Khalwale recently announced his support for Panyako over UDA’s primary winner David Ndakwa, citing external influences in the race. He emphasised the need for Malava voters to choose their leader without outside interference.

Panyako received DAP-K’s direct nomination certificate at Chui House in Nairobi, with Wamalwa citing scientific polls indicating that Panyako was enjoying a double-digit lead over his rivals. His campaign has also been bolstered by support from the Western Community Stakeholders Forum (WCSF).

Political dynamics

The WCSF endorsed Panyako, describing the by-election as a test for Luhya political unity ahead of the 2027 General Election. Secretary General Daniel Mukhonge urged residents to rally behind DAP-K and avoid supporting Kenya Kwanza and ODM candidates.

Meanwhile, ODM’s Kakamega faction led by Governor Fernandes Barasa has endorsed UDA’s Ndakwa. However, internal divisions among seven ODM MPs who oppose Barasa could weaken the faction’s support. The WCSF hopes these divisions will give Panyako an advantage in the race.

A petition challenging Panyako’s eligibility due to his role on the LAPFUND board has been filed but has not disrupted his campaign. Salasya has predicted a landslide victory for Panyako, projecting 20,000 votes.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) plans to use the Malava by-election as a test run for the 2027 polls.