Why President Ruto Forced Seth Panyako to Resign: UDA Vice Chairman Seth Panyako Alleges Forced Resignation by President Ruto Over Housing Levy Dispute
In a shocking turn of events, the Vice Chairman of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Seth Panyako, has made startling claims that he was coerced into resigning from his position by none other than President Ruto.
Panyako asserts that he received a phone call from the president himself, instructing him to step down from his role within the party due to his opposition to the controversial 3 percent housing levy, which is being championed by the President and the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“The President called me at around 7 on Friday and told me that I was opposing the housing Levy and other agendas of the government. I told him that I represent the Kenyan workers,” He stated.
The housing levy, a contentious policy aimed at financing the government’s affordable housing initiative, has been met with mixed reactions from various quarters.
While President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza coalition have fervently advocated for its implementation, it has faced significant resistance from individuals and organizations concerned about the financial burden it would place on Kenyan citizens.
Why President Ruto Forced Seth Panyako to Resign
According to Panyako’s account, during the phone conversation with President Ruto, he was explicitly told that his refusal to support the housing levy had prompted other party officials to pressurize the President into removing him from his position.
This alleged internal pressure, as claimed by Panyako, apparently swayed the President to take decisive action and demand his resignation.
“He told me that he was being pushed by other officials in the party like Secretary General Cleophas Malala. He added that they asked him why I am still the Vice Chairman yet I am opposing the housing levy,” He added
Panyako, known for his strong stance on workers’ rights and social justice issues, had been a prominent voice within UDA, actively opposing the implementation of the housing levy on the grounds that it would place an undue burden on ordinary Kenyans.
However, his dissenting views seem to have clashed with the party’s leadership and key figures supporting the levy, leading to his removal from the vice-chairmanship.
The sudden resignation of Seth Panyako, a well-respected and influential figure within UDA, has sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape, with many questioning the level of internal democracy within the party.
Critics argue that such heavy-handed tactics undermine the principles of transparency and free expression that are vital to any democratic organization.
President Ruto’s office has yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations made by Panyako. However, some party insiders have dismissed Panyako’s claims, suggesting that his resignation was a personal decision unrelated to any external pressures.
UDA, a party that emerged as a prominent force during the previous election cycle, is now faced with internal divisions and challenges, further complicating its political trajectory.
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The fallout resulting from Panyako’s resignation has the potential to significantly impact the party’s public image and potentially undermine its ability to rally support for its political agenda.
The allegation about Mount Kenya Members of Parliament distancing themselves from the housing levy debate has left the President fighting hard to try and win their support.
As the political landscape continues to evolve and the controversy surrounding the housing levy persists, the claims made by Seth Panyako raise important questions about the power dynamics and decision-making processes within UDA. Only time will reveal the true extent of the internal strife and its implications for the party’s future.
