Former Malava by-election candidate Seth Panyako has alleged that he was contacted with a proposal to join the Cabinet only days after losing the contest to UDA’s David Ndakwa.
Speaking during a Wednesday interview on a local radio station, Panyako said the approach was made on November 28 and appeared linked to his strong campaign performance in the Kakamega constituency.
Panyako’s claims come at a time when political competition in Western Kenya remains intense, with Kenya Kwanza working to consolidate support in regions long viewed as critical battlegrounds.
Malava, part of the larger Kakamega political landscape, has frequently seen close electoral contests, especially when independent candidates or smaller parties challenge the dominance of major coalitions.
In the interview, Panyako criticised what he described as an attempt to entice him with a senior government appointment. He said he was surprised that officials reached out so soon after the by-election.
According to Panyako, unnamed figures told him he was being considered for a Cabinet position, prompting him to question the motive behind the timing.
He attributed the details of the conversation directly to the radio interview, quoting his own remarks during the session.
“Shamelessly, on the 28th, they are telling me that they want to make me a Cabinet Secretary. Did I go for an election to be a minister?” he said, claiming the overture signalled political insincerity.
Panyako added that the offer sparked strong reactions from supporters in Kabras, who urged him not to take up any government appointment.
He referenced the messages he received, stating during the interview that residents cautioned him against joining what they described as a “bloody government.”
These reactions, he said, reflected the wider sentiment among his supporters who felt the move would undermine the issues he campaigned on.
The former candidate also argued that his campaign strategy may have unsettled senior figures in government.
He said his messaging during the by-election focused on policy issues and accountability, which he believes gained traction among voters.
In his words, “My campaign was issue-based, and it instilled fear in Ruto,” suggesting that his entry into Parliament would have posed political challenges for the administration.
The Malava by-election was one of the notable political contests in Western Kenya this year, and Panyako has indicated he will continue engaging residents as he considers his political future.
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