Seth Panyako addressing the media in Kisumu/HANDOUTKenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary General Seth Panyako has officially left the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) and rejoined the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
His announcement sets the stage for another stab at the Malava parliamentary seat in the 2027 general election.
In a post on his Facebook page, Panyako announced that he would contest the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket, dismissing speculation that he was eyeing the Kakamega Senate seat.
“I will be vying for the Member of Parliament, Malava Constituency, on the UDA Party ticket in the 2027 General Election," he posted.
"Wale wanasema mambo ya senator hyo ni propaganda."
His return to UDA comes barely a year after he vied for the Malava parliamentary seat on a DAP-K ticket in the 2025 by-election, which was called following the death of then-MP Moses Malulu Injendi.
Panyako lost the contest to UDA candidate David Ndakwa, who retained the seat for the ruling party.
His defeat was later challenged in court through an election petition filed by voters John Karakacha and Nancy Wanakacha on his behalf.
The petition sought to nullify Ndakwa's election, citing allegations of voter bribery and claims that Ndakwa was ineligible to contest while serving as a Member of the County Assembly.
However, the High Court dismissed the petition, with Justice William Mbugi ruling that the Elections Act does not expressly require a sitting MCA to resign before contesting a parliamentary seat in a by-election, thereby upholding Ndakwa's election.
The union leader's latest political move marks another shift in his political journey, having previously been one of UDA's senior officials before falling out with the party.
Ahead of the 2022 general elections, Panyako joined UDA and rose to become the party's vice chairperson, playing a role in mobilising support for the ruling outfit.
However, he later resigned from the position, citing dissatisfaction with government policies and accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to honour promises made to residents of the Western region.
Following his departure, he joined Eugene Wamalwa-led DAP-K, where he sought to unseat UDA in the 2025 Malava by-election.
Despite mounting a spirited campaign, he was defeated by Ndakwa.
His decision to return to UDA signals a renewed alliance with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections and sets up another bid for the Malava parliamentary seat.
In a separate post, Panyako signalled that he would soon hold a homecoming event.
The announcement is seen as a hint to formally declare his political direction.
"Homecoming soon. Stay tuned for the official date and venue. Malava people first," Panyako wrote.
