According to the members, Panyako, who resigned from the party position in May was the reason UDA became popular in Kakamega County.
“We are in UDA because of Panyako, he brought us together. We are not happy with this disagreement Mr. President, kindly talk with Panyako, we need you in next election,” said Ann.
Another member, Arnold Shisanya warned that UDA’s popularity in Kakamega might decline if the President does not reconcile with the vocal secretary general of Kenya Union of Nurses.
“He used to give us booklets to market the party. But when he spoke on Finance bill, differences emerged. Without Panyako UDA will die in Kakamega, he should not be used and dumped. There are many leaders in Kakamega who were in both UDA and Azimio, but Panyako was always loyal, let himj continue with his job,” Arnold Shisanya said.
Other party members called on UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala to mediate the two parties.
“As the Secretary General, talk to Panyako. It is not good for him to leave the party yet he has a mass following,”Collins Adolo said.
Panyako cited his stand on the Finance Bill 2023 as the reason of his fallout with UDA party boss Ruto.
“He (Ruto) told me that he was being pushed by other people like Malala to kick me out of UDA for opposing government policies. I asked him what his plan was, and he told me that things cannot continue like that…that I must leave UDA,” Panyako said after his resignation.
