DAP-K’s Seth Panyako alleges assassination attempt, claims attack targeted his family

DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako has raised alarms over a suspected attempt on his life just hours before the Malava by-election on Thursday, November 27.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote at St Joseph Lunyu Primary School, Panyako said his driver was seriously injured in an attack he alleges was orchestrated by individuals connected to government circles the previous night.

According to Panyako, the assault also targeted his family, with the attackers allegedly including a senior aide to the president.

"The government machinery, together with criminals, attacked my hotel, and the attack aimed to assassinate my wife and me," he stated, emphasising the personal danger he faced in the lead-up to the polls.

He claimed his perceived lead in pre-election surveys made him a target.

"The government candidate was only doing 24 per cent yesterday. So the only option that is there for the government candidate to win this election is to assassinate me. They have no way of winning this election," he said, pointing to what he called desperate tactics by his rivals.

Panyako explained that the assailants went directly to his hotel room, even though he and his wife were lodged in a separate suite, which he interprets as proof of deliberate targeting.

After voting, he was visibly emotional, with cameras capturing him breaking down in tears. Meanwhile, his driver continues to recover from stab injuries at Webuye Hospital.

The political tensions in Malava were compounded by another violent episode on Wednesday, when a man was attacked by residents who accused him of trying to bribe voters.

At this stage, it is unclear which candidate the individual was supporting, but the incident adds to a growing list of election-related confrontations.

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa condemned the actions and demanded immediate accountability.

"We want to tell the IG of police that police are being used as a tool of violence and are working with goons. We want to tell the IEBC that this UDA candidate should be disqualified for going to the extent of wanting to harm his opponent," Wamalwa said, highlighting the severity of the situation.

In a statement, Wamalwa accused state agencies and hired groups of orchestrating violence and interfering with ballots in the ongoing by-elections.

His remarks come amid rising political tension, scattered incidents of unrest, and growing concerns from leaders about the safety and credibility of the electoral process.

Wamalwa directly addressed those he believes are responsible for disrupting the vote and endangering lives.

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• DAP-K’s Seth Panyako alleges assassination attempt
• claims attack targeted his family

"To the State-sponsored goons and the compromised NPS Official and IEBCK officials who facilitated the attack and failed to act in accordance with their oath to protect and defend the Constitution of Kenya, resulting in bloodshed and serious injuries, you shall be held to account!" he stated.

He linked the violence and irregularities to a scheme he said opposition leaders had warned about earlier, describing it as an organised effort carried out with precision and involving multiple actors.

Malava has emerged as a key battleground between UDA and opposition forces, with heightened tensions also reported in Mbeere North and Magarini constituencies.

Overall, six National Assembly seats are being contested in this round of by-elections, including Magarini (Kilifi), Banissa (Mandera), Mbeere North (Embu), Ugunja (Siaya), Kasipul (Homa Bay), and Malava (Kakamega), along with one Senate seat in Baringo County.