DAP-K candidate in the Malava Constituency by-election, Seth Panyako, has accused the Kenya Kwanza government of voter bribery, intimidation, and plans to rig the upcoming polls.
Speaking at a press briefing on November 25, Panyako questioned why the ruling coalition would resort to bribing voters if it believed in its popularity, development record, and the support of the residents of Malava constituency.
The nurses’ union secretary general further alleged that Farouk Kibet had facilitated the production of 10,000 ballot papers pre-marked in favour of Kenya Kwanza’s candidate, David Ndakwa.
He claimed that the pre-marked ballot papers, which he described as unmistakable electoral malpractice, were at the residence of Job Manyasi.
Panyako continued to accuse the government of fabricating allegations against voters backing rival aspirants, saying that the intimidation campaign had escalated to the point of including his wife in the drama.
"What kind of politics are these?" Panyako asked, expressing frustration and irritation at the alleged harassment.
Panyako added that voters and individuals affiliated with aspirants challenging UDA's candidate, Ndakwa, were being targeted in the build-up to the November 27th by-elections.
“If the government will not provide security, we will provide security,” Panyako quipped.
Panyako called upon incorrupt police officers and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that the alleged pre-marked ballot papers did not compromise the Malava parliamentary by-election.
He highlighted his willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the people of Malava constituency enjoy justice in the form of a transparent, free, and fair election.
