Panyako Says He Turned Down Government CS Post After By-Election Loss

Seth Panyako says government officials offered him a Cabinet Secretary post shortly after he lost the Malava by-election, an offer he claims to have rejected.

Panyako, the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) candidate, told Radio Maisha on 3 December that the approach came only days after the vote. He called the alleged offer “inhuman” and questioned why he would be considered for a ministerial role immediately after an election marked, in his view, by intimidation and violence. 

“Shamelessly, on the 28th they are telling me that they want to make me a Cabinet Secretary. Did I go for an election to be a minister?” he said, adding that such overtures reflected poorly on the government.

He also claimed this was not the first time he had been approached for a senior role. Panyako said that in 2022, while still affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), he was offered a Principal Secretary position but declined, telling President William Ruto to appoint someone else. At the time, he was actively involved in the president’s campaign.

Panyako alleged that the Malava by-election was compromised by bribery and violence. He said some of his agents were paid KSh15,000 to abandon him and accused police officers of allowing attacks on members of his team. According to Panyako, a police officer warned him of an imminent assault, prompting him to go into hiding before polling day. 

He added that his attempts to contact Deputy Inspector General of Police Douglas Masengeli went unanswered. He maintained that many residents of Malava and Kabras urged him not to accept any government appointment. Panyako said his supporters sent messages advising him against “joining that bloody government,” reinforcing his decision to stay out of the administration.

Panyako was defeated by UDA candidate David Ndakwa in the 27 November by-election.