Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa has claimed that the State tried to bribe Kenya National Union of Nurses Chair Seth Panyako to withdraw from the Malava by-election race slated for November 2027.

Speaking in Malava after accompanying the parliamentary hopeful to present his papers to the IEBC for clearance on Wednesday, September 8, 2025, Wamalwa claimed that Panyako was initially offered Ksh50 million, and when he refused, the amount was increased to Ksh100 million.

According to Wamalwa, despite the pressure, Panyako stood his ground, vowing to remain in the race to succeed the late Malulu Injendi.

“Hapa Malava walikuja na milioni 50 wakajaribu kununua Panyako, akakataa. Wameongeza ikafika 100 kama ile ya Banisa, Panyako akakataa. Hata asubuhi ya leo walikuwa wanajaribu pia,” Wamalwa stated.

Similar incidents in other regions

Eugene Wamalwa further added that a similar plot has been extended to other candidates in regions such as Banisa and Magarini, where some have succumbed to the pressure and withdrawn from the race.

“Kuna njama ya kununua wagombezi wote, all candidates wananuliwa na pesa na mtu anaitwa Ruto. Kulikuwa na yule aliyekuwa amesimama kura Banisa, Ruto amechukua milioni 100 akaenda akamnunua, akatoka kwa race huko Banisa. Upande wa Magarini kulikuwa na mgombezi alikuwa kwa coalition yetu kwa chama ya DCP, tena Zakayo akaenda na pesa akamnunua,” he claimed.

Malalas claims

Earlier on, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Interim Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala also accused the state of attempting to bribe aspirants in the Malava by-election to step out of the race in favour of a UDA candidate.

Speaking in Shivanga while campaigning for DCP candidate Collins Busienga, Malala urged aspirants not to give in to the pressure and inducements from the state.

 He claimed that money was already being used to try to convince candidates who had declared their interest to withdraw from the contest.

Malala cited the case of KNUN chair Seth Panyako, who is vying for the Malava seat on the Eugene Wamalwa-led DAP–K party.

He stated that there have been attempts to buy out Panyako but affirmed that he had spoken with him and encouraged him to remain firm and not fall into traps set by those working to undermine him.

“Nyinyi mmeona ameanza kupeana pesa kununua wabunge ambao wamesimama ati wa step down; mmesikia hata jana ilikuwa kwa taarifa kijana yetu Seth Panyako wanataka kununua, yeye nikaongea na Seth asijaribu kuwa watu ambao wanakumaliza; sisi tunataka tuwe pamoja, William Ruto aende nyumbani,” Malala stated.