Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary-General Seth Panyako has announced that he will contest the Malava parliamentary seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 General Election, marking a dramatic political return to President William Ruto’s party months after vying on a Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) ticket.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook account on Thursday, July 16, Panyako dismissed speculation that he was eyeing the Kakamega Senate seat, insisting that his focus remains on unseating the current Malava MP.
“I will be vying for the Member of Parliament, Malava Constituency, on the UDA Party ticket in the 2027 General Election. Wale wanasema mambo ya senator hiyo ni propaganda,” Panyako posted.
The declaration effectively confirms Panyako’s exit from DAP-K, the party under which he unsuccessfully contested the November 2025 Malava by-election.
Return to UDA
Panyako’s latest announcement marks another chapter in his shifting political journey.
Before joining DAP-K, he was a senior official of UDA, serving as the party’s Deputy Chairperson in charge of programmes. However, he resigned from the ruling party in 2023 after falling out with its leadership, accusing it of sidelining him and expressing dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s policies, including the cost-of-living crisis and the controversial housing levy.
He later aligned himself with DAP-K, led by former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, and emerged as the party’s candidate in the Malava parliamentary by-election.
Narrow defeat in Malava
The by-election, held on November 27, 2025, was occasioned by the death of long-serving Malava MP Moses Malulu Injendi.
Panyako mounted a strong campaign under the DAP-K banner but narrowly lost to UDA candidate David Athman Ndakwa in one of the country’s most closely contested parliamentary races.
Official results released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) showed Ndakwa garnered 21,564 votes, while Panyako received 20,210 votes, a margin of 1,354 votes.
The contest attracted national attention, with both the Kenya Kwanza coalition and opposition leaders throwing their weight behind their respective candidates.
Signs of political reunion
Panyako’s announcement comes after days of speculation about his political future.
Earlier on Thursday, he shared another brief but widely discussed Facebook post stating, “I am back home. Thank you, Your Excellency,” a message many political observers interpreted as signalling reconciliation with President William Ruto and a return to the ruling party.
His latest declaration now confirms that he intends to seek the UDA nomination for the Malava parliamentary seat in 2027.
Fresh battle for Malava
With the next General Election less than two years away, Panyako is expected to mount another challenge against incumbent MP David Ndakwa, who has represented the constituency since winning the 2025 by-election.
The anticipated contest is likely to revive political rivalry in Malava, with UDA now facing the task of determining who will carry its ticket should both leaders seek the party’s nomination.
Panyako has maintained that his ambition remains to represent the people of Malava in Parliament, dismissing reports suggesting he was considering a Senate bid.
His latest move also underscores the fluid political realignments already taking shape across the country as politicians reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties seeking to consolidate support in key voting blocs long before official campaigns begin.
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