A petition has been filed to block Seth Ambusini Panyako, a LAPFUND board member, from contesting the Malava Constituency by-election. The petition was submitted on behalf of rival aspirant Caleb Burudi.
It claims that Panyako failed to resign from public office within the legal timeline. This, according to the petition, makes him ineligible for party nominations and the election itself.
The Malava parliamentary seat was declared vacant by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) through Gazette Notice No. 11158 on August 8, 2025. Candidates were expected to resign from any public office by August 15.
However, Panyako allegedly continued to serve as a LAPFUND board member. The petition cites his attendance at the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay from August 11 to 15. He also attended a LAPFUND workshop in Naivasha from September 9 to 12.
The petition requests authorities to disqualify Panyako from participating in DAP-K party nominations. It notes that LAPFUND is a state corporation under the Local Authorities Provident Fund Act, Cap 272, and the County Governments Act. Board membership in such institutions is considered public office.
The Malava by-election is set for November 27, 2025. The race is attracting multiple candidates. DCP has confirmed that Edgar Busiega remains in the contest. Other aspirants include Caleb Sunguti from Roots Party and Joab Manyasi from Democratic National Alliance (DNA).
The ruling UDA party is preparing for its primaries. Contenders include Ryan Injendi, son of the late MP Malulu Injendi, Simon Kangwana Chimuche, and David Ndakwa.
The petition against Panyako has added more tension to the already competitive Malava by-election. It highlights the legal challenges candidates holding public office face before entering the political race.
