Panyako, who is running under the DAP-K ticket, made the allegations moments after casting his vote at St Joseph Lunyu Primary School.
The aspirant appeared visibly shaken as he narrated how his driver was attacked and severely injured during what he described as a coordinated night raid at a hotel where he and his family were staying.
According to Panyako, the Wednesday-night incident occurred shortly after he had retreated to his room to rest ahead of polling day.
According to Panyako, the Wednesday-night incident occurred shortly after he had retreated to his room to rest ahead of polling day.
He said a group of armed individuals stormed the premises and headed straight to the room he shared with his wife, even though it was separate from the main suite. The assailants allegedly stabbed his driver, who attempted to block their entry.
He claimed that the attackers were not ordinary criminals but people linked to powerful figures within government.
“The government machinery, together with hired criminals, attacked my hotel. Their aim was to kill my wife and me,” Panyako said, struggling to hold back tears after voting.
He claimed that the attackers were not ordinary criminals but people linked to powerful figures within government.
“The government machinery, together with hired criminals, attacked my hotel. Their aim was to kill my wife and me,” Panyako said, struggling to hold back tears after voting.
“My driver is fighting for his life. These people went to my exact room. They knew precisely where I was.”
Panyako further alleged that he was being targeted because pre-election surveys reportedly placed him in a commanding lead over his main opponent, David Ndakwa, the UDA candidate.
Panyako further alleged that he was being targeted because pre-election surveys reportedly placed him in a commanding lead over his main opponent, David Ndakwa, the UDA candidate.
He argued that the supposed attack was part of a bigger plot to tilt the outcome of the by-election.
“The government candidate was doing 24 percent in the polls yesterday. They know they cannot win fairly. Eliminating me is the only way they believe they can influence this election,” he claimed.
His driver was rushed to Webuye Hospital, where medics are treating serious stab wounds. Hospital officials confirmed that he was in stable condition but would require further monitoring.
The Wednesday-night chaos was not limited to Panyako’s security scare. In a separate incident, a man suspected of bribing voters was beaten by angry residents in Malava.
“The government candidate was doing 24 percent in the polls yesterday. They know they cannot win fairly. Eliminating me is the only way they believe they can influence this election,” he claimed.
His driver was rushed to Webuye Hospital, where medics are treating serious stab wounds. Hospital officials confirmed that he was in stable condition but would require further monitoring.
The Wednesday-night chaos was not limited to Panyako’s security scare. In a separate incident, a man suspected of bribing voters was beaten by angry residents in Malava.
Witnesses said the man had been moving from household to household distributing money. He was rescued by police and taken to safety. It remains unclear which candidate he was working for.
The allegations raised by Panyako prompted reactions from key political figures within the opposition. Eugene Wamalwa, the DAP-K party leader, condemned the violence and accused some state agencies of enabling the unrest.
“We want to remind the Inspector General that the police service should not be used as a tool of intimidation,” Wamalwa said.
The allegations raised by Panyako prompted reactions from key political figures within the opposition. Eugene Wamalwa, the DAP-K party leader, condemned the violence and accused some state agencies of enabling the unrest.
“We want to remind the Inspector General that the police service should not be used as a tool of intimidation,” Wamalwa said.
“We demand the immediate disqualification of the UDA candidate for going to the extent of wanting to harm his opponent.”
Wamalwa’s comments deepened the political divide already visible in the constituency, which has been labelled one of the battlegrounds in the by-elections.
Wamalwa’s comments deepened the political divide already visible in the constituency, which has been labelled one of the battlegrounds in the by-elections.
Malava has long been seen as a competitive seat between government-aligned parties and opposition forces, with the 2025 race attracting heavy national attention.
Meanwhile, the IEBC assured voters that security had been tightened across all polling centres to prevent further disruptions.
Meanwhile, the IEBC assured voters that security had been tightened across all polling centres to prevent further disruptions.
Election officials were seen coordinating with police to maintain order as hundreds of residents lined up to cast their ballots.
Malava is one of six constituencies electing new Members of Parliament following seat vacancies. The others include Magarini in Kilifi County, Banissa in Mandera, Mbeere North in Embu, Ugunja in Siaya, and Kasipul in Homa Bay. A by-election is also being held for the Baringo Senate seat.
Malava is one of six constituencies electing new Members of Parliament following seat vacancies. The others include Magarini in Kilifi County, Banissa in Mandera, Mbeere North in Embu, Ugunja in Siaya, and Kasipul in Homa Bay. A by-election is also being held for the Baringo Senate seat.
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