Kenyan politics is becoming increasingly discouraging and, at times, downright shocking. The unfortunate reality is that many politicians are driven by self-interest rather than the interests of the people who elect and defend them. Principles are often abandoned the moment a better political opportunity presents itself.
Yesterday, Kenyans woke up to the news that Mr. Seth Panyako, who had consistently vowed never to associate with President William Ruto, had visited State House and met the President. Soon after, he announced that he would contest the Malava parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election on a UDA party ticket. The announcement caught many by surprise because it came only a few months after he alleged that the government had used state machinery to manipulate the Malava Constituency by-election.
“In 2027, I will be running for the Malava parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket. Not Senate seat. Ignore the propaganda,” he wrote on his social media platforms.
What makes this even more striking is that such a major political decision appears to have been made without regard for the feelings of the supporters who stood firmly behind him.
During the recent Malava by-election, people were reportedly injured, others fled their homes, and many invested their time, energy, and resources in his political cause. Yet, like many politicians before him, he has now taken a completely different path. Whether his decision is right or wrong is for the public to judge, but it is another reminder of how quickly political positions can change.
This is why Kenyans should be cautious about placing blind faith in politicians. Political alliances and promises can shift overnight, but it is usually the ordinary supporters who bear the consequences. For example, today’s fiercest critic can become tomorrow’s closest ally. In politics, permanent interests often matter more than permanent principles.
It goes without saying that, #Panyako has committed a mistake that won’t help him win any election anywhere in the near future.