The United Opposition has suffered a major political setback after prominent leader Hon. Seth Panyako defected from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.
Panyako, who previously contested the Malava Constituency parliamentary by-election on a DAP-K ticket, announced that he will seek the Malava parliamentary seat again in 2027, this time under the UDA banner. DAP-K, led by former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, is among the parties associated with the United Opposition.
His decision marks a notable shift from the opposition camp to the ruling UDA, potentially strengthening the governing party’s presence in Western Kenya.
The defection is being viewed as a blow to the United Opposition as political parties intensify their mobilisation and preparations for the 2027 elections, with Panyako’s departure leaving the opposition without one of its notable figures in the region.