The Kakamega High Court has upheld the 2025 by-election victory of Malava Member of Parliament David Ndakwa after dismissing a challenge by rival Seth Panyako. Presiding Judge Stephen Mbugi ruled on May 15 that the petition lacked merit. Ndakwa secured 21,564 votes to Panyako's 20,210.
The ruling confirms Ndakwa as the duly elected MP following the November 27, 2025 by-election. Panyako had alleged irregularities across 54 polling stations out of 198 and demanded a recount before results were announced.
Ndakwa previously served as a Member of the County Assembly in Kakamega County and holds a Bachelor of Information Science from Moi University. He entered the race after the death of former MP Malulu Injendi.
Voter turnout stood at 46 percent, with 43,675 ballots cast from 94,417 registered voters. Third-place candidate Wilberforce Indai of the Kenya Moja party received 626 votes.
Ndakwa stated after the decision that the will of the people of Malava had prevailed. Supporters celebrated outside the courthouse with victory songs.