DCP Withdraws Candidate to Back DAP-K in Malava By-Election

 

Brad Mukopi 

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has withdrawn its candidate, Edgar Busiega, from the upcoming Malava Parliamentary by-election, throwing its support behind Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) aspirant Seth Panyako.

DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala announced the move on Thursday, saying the United Opposition had reached a consensus to field a single candidate against the UDA contender in the November by-election.

“By the time I conceded, it was after assessing his abilities and establishing that I am leaving Malava in safe hands,” Malala said.

Panyako welcomed the support, emphasizing the broader stakes for the nation: “Na ni juhudi ya kila Mkenya kupigania kuchukua hili taifa na kulirudisha kwenye mikono ya wananchi. Na hii itafanyika kama tunashinda kiti cha Malava, ile ya Mbeere, na ile ya Magarini.”

Malala added that the decision reflected a careful, research-based strategy. “Na viongozi wetu wote wamekubaliana kwamba hatuwezi kuwa tunajiita United Opposition na kwa kiti ndogo kama ya ubunge, tunapigana wenyewe kwa wenyewe. Tumefanya research ya kina na tukapata kwamba ndugu yetu Panyako yupo juu kidogo.”

The move is seen as a key step in opposition efforts to consolidate support and increase their chances of winning the Malava seat.