Seth Panyako, the DAP–K candidate in the fiercely contested Malava by-election, was overcome by emotion on Thursday as he watched the results slip away right at his polling station — a dramatic moment that has now triggered a wave of appeals to President William Ruto to give him a government job.

His tears, witnessed by voters and officials, sparked rare unity among leaders in Kakamega, who said Panyako’s political experience and influence should not go to waste despite his narrow loss.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, speaking while meeting Malava’s newly elected MP, urged the President to find a role for the former contender.

“As a county leader, I appeal to the President to consider creating a position for Panyako so that he remains engaged even after this defeat,” Barasa said.

UDA’s David Ndakwa won the seat with 21,564 votes. Panyako followed closely with 20,210, while Kenya Moja Movement’s Wilberforce Tuvei came a distant third with 626 votes.

Barasa hailed the results as proof of confidence in the Broad-Based Coalition, accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation in the lead-up to the poll.

Deputy Governor Ayub Savula urged opposition supporters to align themselves with the government, arguing that working with the ruling administration was the only way to secure development and appointments.

“I wish the opposition understood what being in government truly means. For the sake of their supporters, they need to align,” Savula said.

Farouk Kibet, a powerful aide to President Ruto, urged Ndakwa to personally take Panyako’s case to the President.

“The President is your friend. Speak to him — ask him to give Seth Panyako work,” Kibet said.

Fear, tears and claims of a deadly plot

Panyako’s emotional collapse came against the backdrop of dramatic claims of intimidation, violence and death threats.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said Panyako had submitted a disturbing account of what he described as a coordinated attempt to intimidate him and his supporters.

Panyako said he feared for his life after receiving intelligence that government operatives acting “in concert with criminals” planned an attack at Downhill Hotel, where he and his wife were staying.

He claimed the alleged attackers targeted both his room and the hotel’s conference hall, which he intended to use as his personal tallying centre.

“The government machinery together with criminals attacked my hotel,” he said. “The mission was clear — the President, through Farouk Kibet, Nabii Nabwera, Stanley Livondo and Rashid Echesa, had allegedly instructed them to assassinate me and my wife.”

According to Panyako, his internal polling showed him leading by 75 per cent, with Ndakwa trailing at 24 per cent.

“The only way the government candidate could win was to eliminate me,” he claimed.

He recounted a strange encounter with businessman Stanley Livondo, saying he had never met him before and alleging that Livondo’s vehicle had “manipulated number plates.”

Panyako also claimed an IEBC official had privately warned him that he was not safe.

“Salim told me he couldn’t help because orders had been given for me to be eliminated,” he said.

Wamalwa backed his claims, alleging that a police vehicle from Matete Police Station had been used to smash the hotel gate.

“Armed officers broke into the compound. Mweshimiwa had to escape on a motorbike. His vehicles were vandalised and several people injured,” Wamalwa said.

Tense poll, low turnout

The by-election began quietly on Thursday, with low turnout and lingering fear after a chaotic and violent night before the vote. Despite the tension, all 198 polling stations opened without technical issues.

Ndakwa, in his acceptance speech, thanked residents and promised to lead impartially.

“This victory belongs to the people of Malava,” he said. “I will serve everyone, whether they voted for me or not.”

He added that, despite personal attacks during the campaign, he would reach out to President Ruto on behalf of Panyako “as advised by senior leaders.