Malala: Malava parliamentary aspirants being bribed to step down
By Mabonga Makhanu, September 9, 2025Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Interim Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has 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.
The DCP leader emphasised the need for unity among opposition aspirants, insisting that their collective goal is to ensure President William Ruto is voted out in the future.
“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.
Malava by-election
He also urged the Shivanga locals not to allow the seat to be taken by President Ruto’s camp, warning that such a move would give Ruto an easy path to victory in 2027. According to him, their collective efforts should be focused on sending Ruto home and ensuring he is not re-elected. He stressed that the by-elections in the country, particularly the one in Malava, will serve as a litmus test for Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Malala also urged the residents to vote for his DCP candidate, saying that basing it on his law background and having practised law for a long time makes him fit for the task since most functions that parliamentarians carry out require one to have an understanding of law.
Democratic Action Party candidate Seth Panyako, on the other hand, has expressed confidence in winning the seat, saying that Malava residents are angry after his past 2 losses, which, according to him, were not genuine, and saying that this time round they will come out in numbers to vote for him.