Speaking to Shahidi TV on the eve of the much-awaited mini-poll, Panyako expressed confidence in defeating his competitors.
The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) candidate alleged that his victories in the 2017 and 2022 elections were stolen, but said he was confident Malava voters would overwhelmingly back him this time.
“The people of Malava have made up their minds. They want me to be their next Member of Parliament. They’ve wanted me since 2017, but their will has always been diverted by dark forces,” he said.
However, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary-General made it clear that he would retire from politics if he loses again.
“If I win this, I’ll continue with politics. If I don’t win, I’m retiring from politics. It’s do or die for me. I don’t want to be another Raila,” Panyako stated.
Panyako vied for the Malava parliamentary seat in the 2017 and 2022 general elections but lost to the late Malulu Injendi, who ran on the then Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket.
He re-entered the race after the seat was declared vacant by the IEBC more than three months ago following Injendi’s death in February.
He now faces stiff competition from UDA’s David Ndakwa, a former Minority Leader in the Kakamega County Assembly.
Both camps have held intense campaigns, with Panyako’s team led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, while President William Ruto’s Personal Assistant Farouk Kibet spearheaded Ndakwa’s campaign efforts.
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