Seth Panyako, the United Opposition’s parliamentary candidate in the Malava by-elections, has alleged that the government approached him with an offer to serve as a Cabinet Secretary shortly after he lost the race.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Maisha on December 3, 2025, Panyako claimed he turned down the offer, saying the violent experiences he faced during the campaigns made the proposal unacceptable.
“Shamelessly, on the 28th they are telling me they want to make me a Cabinet Secretary. Did I go for an election to be a minister? This is the highest level of inhumanity; in fact, it appears like we are being led by sycophants,” Panyako said.
The unionist-cum-politician added that this was not the first time he had received such an offer, alleging that a similar request was made in 2022. He claimed he advised President William Ruto to give the position of Principal Secretary to someone else, noting that he already had another job at the time.
The former Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General also stated that he had been instrumental in campaigning for President Ruto during the 2022 elections while still aligned to the UDA party.
Allegations of Bribery, Intimidation, and Police Involvement
According to Mr. Panyako, his supporters in Malava openly supported his decision to reject the government appointment. “Since they began the stories of appointing me as a CS, many have messaged me, and the people of Kabras have told me, ‘do not dare join that bloody government,'” he claimed.
He further alleged that some of his election agents were bribed with Ksh15,000 by rival candidates. Panyako also claimed that police officers were involved in election-related attacks, saying one officer even warned him of a planned assault-forcing him to go into hiding ahead of the polls.
The DAP-K candidate added that he attempted to reach Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli but was unsuccessful.
Panyako eventually lost the November 27 Malava by-election to UDA candidate David Ndakwa.
