
A political standoff is brewing within Kenya’s opposition as the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has threatened to cut ties with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the Malava parliamentary by-election.
DAP-K, under the leadership of Eugene Wamalwa, has fielded Seth Panyako as its candidate for the upcoming by-election, following the death of three-term MP Malulu Injendi in March. The party is now urging DCP to withdraw its candidate, Edgar Busiega, to avoid splitting the opposition vote.
However, DCP remains steadfast in its decision to contest the seat, with Busiega scheduled to present his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on October 9, 2025.A senior DAP-K official expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “We hear that there is someone seeking to field a candidate in Malava, yet we have a candidate.
We warn that if their candidate is going to be cleared by IEBC, then we will cut our ties and forge our path alone.” This statement underscores the growing tensions within the opposition coalition.The Malava by-election has become a litmus test for the unity of the opposition parties, with DAP-K and DCP jostling for the parliamentary seat.
The outcome could have significant implications for the cohesion of the opposition and its ability to present a united front in future political contests.
As the by-election approaches, all eyes will be on Malava to see how the rivalry between DAP-K and DCP unfolds and what it means for the future of opposition politics in Kenya.