The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has officially withdrawn its candidate, Edgar Busiega, from the upcoming Malava Parliamentary by-election in favour of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) aspirant, Seth Panyako.
Making the announcement on Thursday, DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala said the decision followed a consensus among opposition parties under the “United Opposition” umbrella to field a single candidate against the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominee.
Malala emphasized that opposition unity was crucial if they were to win the Malava seat in the November by-elections. “It is important for us to go to the polls as a united front. We cannot claim to be the United Opposition and yet field multiple candidates for a parliamentary seat,” Malala stated.
Busiega, who stepped down in favour of Panyako, expressed confidence in his counterpart’s leadership, saying, “By the time I have conceded, it is after I have assessed his abilities and established that I am leaving Malava in safer hands.”
On his part, Panyako thanked DCP for their support and urged other opposition parties to follow suit, emphasizing the need for unity to reclaim the nation’s leadership. “It is the duty of every Kenyan to fight to return this country to the hands of the people. This begins with winning the Malava seat, and similarly, those in Mbeere and Magarini,” Panyako said.
Malala added that research conducted by the coalition showed Panyako had a stronger footing in Malava, making him the most viable opposition candidate. “We conducted a scientific analysis and found that our brother Panyako has a slight edge,” he remarked.
The Malava by-election is set for November, and the opposition hopes the new alignment will enhance its chances of clinching the seat from UDA.
