Embattled Panyako plots exit from Jirongo’s party as popularity declines

The Kenya National Union of Nurses secretary General Seth Panyako is a man under siege as the ground for the Malava parliamentary continues being elusive for him even after joining over six parties in a year.

Panyako is now fighting for a ticket in former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo-led United Democratic Party (UDP) with political maverick Samuel Tsimbwela aka Tsimbwela we Sukari who was the first aspirant to join the near forgotten party.

Word has it that after sensing fierce competition in the party, Panyako is considering another exit as he looks for another party.

Panyako, who has lost in two past elections that of the Kakamega County senatorial contest in the year 2017 and the Malava parliamentary position in 2022, has found it hard to sell the agenda of new-found party as its leader allegedly snubs him.

This is after Jirongo allegedly promised to offer millions for Panyako’s campaigns but the promise has remained unfulfilled.

It is becoming evident that Panyako’s popularity is declining every day since his exit from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party that funded his campaigns in 2022 which had made him appear strong.

Many now say he has to rethink his decision of decamping from UDA and go back to the drawing board if he has to remain relevant in the area’s politics.

The party seems to be gaining support across the constituency as President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet sustains development and empowerment programs since the demise of area MP Malulu Injendi early this year.

Among those seeking the UDA ticket are former Kivaywa High School principal Simon Kangwana and his Bungoma High counterpart Dr Enock Andanje.

Also, West Kabras MCA David Ndakwa, lawyer Leonard Shimaka, and the late MP’s son Rhyan Injendi are seeking the party’s ticket.