- Seth Panyako has been dismissed from the LAPFUND board, effective January 23, 2026
- The decision was made by Treasury CS John Mbadi under legal provisions in the LAPFUND Act
- Panyako was initially appointed in March 2023 by former CS Njuguna Ndung’u
- The dismissal follows his loss in the Malava by-election held on November 27, 2025
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has officially revoked Seth Panyako’s position on the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPFUND) board. The decision, published in a gazette notice on Friday, January 23, takes effect immediately.
The notice cites powers granted under Section 5(1)(d) of the Local Authorities Provident Fund Act, together with Section 51(1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, as the legal basis for the dismissal.
Panyako joined the LAPFUND board in March 2023, after being appointed by then-Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u. His tenure, however, comes to an end less than three years later, following a recent political setback.
The dismissal comes weeks after Panyako lost the Malava parliamentary by-election on November 27, 2025. Running on a DAP-K ticket, he was defeated by Daniel Ndakwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Ndakwa secured 21,564 votes against Panyako’s 20,210, a narrow margin that sparked controversy.
Following the defeat, Panyako alleged that the by-election results were manipulated. He claimed victory in 134 out of 198 polling stations but said votes from 54 stations were “stolen,” undermining his overall lead.
“We won in 134 out of 198 polling stations, but still, they managed to manipulate and subvert the will of the people. They used 54 polling stations to steal the elections,” Panyako stated.
Despite his loss, Panyako thanked Malava residents for their support and loyalty. He also referenced challenges faced during the campaign, including incidents of violence and threats to his life.
“Thank you, my Malava people, your love and trust in me have been steadfast. But to those who subverted your will, judgment awaits them. Despite violence against us and attempts on my life, you stood firm. Our heads are still up,” he added.
With Panyako’s removal, the LAPFUND board will continue its work without him, under the guidance of Treasury CS Mbadi. The move highlights how political changes and electoral outcomes can influence board-level appointments in state agencies.
