Panyako Says He Faced ‘Total War’ During By-Election

Former by-election candidate Seth Panyako has publicly addressed his outburst during last Thursday’s poll, asserting that he faced deliberate harassment and neglect by law enforcement. 

The former contender lost to UDA candidate David Indalwa in the highly contested race.

Speaking during a radio interview on Wednesday, Panyako said he had attempted to alert authorities about threats against him, including calling Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, but received no response. 

“They had unleashed total war on me, and no one had bothered to come to my aid,” Panyako said.

He further questioned the role of national leadership in the incident, pointing to President William Ruto, whom he credited with having supported his political career in the past. 

“If this is truly a country of law and order, why hasn’t anyone spoken about it, including Ruto… He is the one who was commanding it, and I have no fear of contradicting that,” he stated. 

Panyako described the situation as extreme and inhumane, accusing those in power of acting without accountability.

Kenya has a history of tense by-elections, where close contests often escalate into disputes over fairness and security. 

Panyako’s claims come amid ongoing debates about police neutrality in political processes and the safety of candidates in competitive constituencies. 

The political environment in regions dominated by UDA has seen heightened scrutiny following the 2022 general elections, particularly concerning resource deployment and security enforcement during campaigns.

David Indalwa, the UDA winner, secured a decisive victory amid a low-turnout electorate, reflecting broader trends in recent by-elections where ruling party candidates have gained an edge. 

Meanwhile, Panyako’s remarks highlight the challenges facing opposition figures navigating constituencies heavily influenced by the government’s political machinery.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has not released any official statement regarding the conduct of the by-election or Panyako’s allegations.