The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has dismissed reports suggesting that it has pulled out of the Malava parliamentary by-election.
In a statement on Sunday, the Rigathi Gachagua-led party confirmed that its candidate, Edgar Busiega, remains in the race. The party’s Secretary General, Hezron Obaga, termed the withdrawal claims as “false and misleading,” blaming political rivals for spreading propaganda.
“The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) wishes to inform the public that the reports circulating claiming our candidate for the Malava parliamentary race, Edgar Busiega, has withdrawn are false and misleading,” the statement read in part.
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“These claims are the result of panic by our competitors, who have sensed defeat in the face of the growing popularity of our candidate. Edgar Busiega remains firmly in the race, and we are confident of victory come 27th November 2027.”
The Malava parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Moses Malulu Injendi on February 17, after weeks of hospitalisation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Busiega will face stiff competition from several aspirants, including Caleb Sunguti of the Roots Party and Joab Manyasi of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA).
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is also set to front a candidate, with Ryan Injendi — son of the late MP — Simon Kangwana Chimuche, and David Ndakwa already expressing interest. In addition, Seth Panyako of DAP-K has also joined the race.
Speculation over DCP’s withdrawal was fuelled by the party’s recent decision to step down in favour of opposition allies in other by-elections.
Following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on September 10, DCP resolved to support the Democratic Party (DP) in the Mbeere North constituency, Wiper in the Muumbuni Ward by-election, and DAP-K in the Kabuchai/Chwele Ward, Bungoma County.
Despite these collaborations, DCP maintains that Busiega’s candidacy in Malava is intact and that the party is determined to secure the seat.