Seth Panyako's refusal to accept loss in the most recent by-election has caused chaos in Malava's political landscape.
Panyako, who was only 1,354 votes behind UDA's David Ndakwa, says the election was rigged and promises to take matters into his own hands.
With 21,564 votes, Ndakwa was declared the winner, whereas Panyako received 20,210, which the latter maintains does not accurately represent the wishes of Malava voters.
Panyako has made the bold announcement that he will hold a "people's swearing-in" event to formally declare himself a member of parliament.
He compared his approach to the 2018 swearing-in of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and stated that legal professionals will administer the oath.
stating that he now recognizes the suffering of a leader who believes his victory has been stolen.
The candidate for Malava MP described the campaign as risky and disorganized.
Panyako claims that unknown assailants broke into his hotel at night, stole KSh 1.2 million, and beat his family and employees.
He described the election time as more "warfare" than a democratic struggle, adding that his wife was chased within the hotel ground.
His car was later set on fire, and his tallying center was destroyed.
Panyako says he was detained at the Malava authorities Station on election day and that the authorities tried to quiet him.
He stated that 10,000 pre-marked votes in favor of Ndakwa had been concealed by authorities before to the election and that Kakamega's police head.
A defamation case followed James Momamyi's admission that he accepted payments to rig the vote.
His emotional breakdown at a polling place went viral, but Panyako defended the incident.
Claiming it was a reflection of the tremendous pressure to oppose the government rather than a sign of weakness.
In a display of integrity, Panyako also disclosed that he declined a government-offered Cabinet post.
Claiming that doing so would be a betrayal to those who supported him in the face of threats.
In addition, he vowed not to be frightened by anyone and pledged to run again in 2027.
Malava is now keeping a careful eye on this high-stakes political thriller.
Which raises concerns about Kenya's electoral integrity and the extent to which candidates will go in order to win.
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politics