The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary General Seth Panyako has warned that President William Ruto risks being the first President in Kenya to rule for one term.
Addressing mourners during the burial of a retired nurse, Timothy Omukota, Panyako said if President Ruto will not curb the rising cost of living, then he will not be re-elected in the 2027 general elections.
“These employees have nothing in their pay slips because our government has taken everything. I am telling my President please, if you cannot address the cost of living, you’ll break the record of being the first President to rule for one term in this country,” Panyako said.
The vocal unionist said the current regime campaigned on the platform of lowering the cost of living but it has gone against it.
“Mr. President we promised Kenyans that we shall lower the cost of living, instead we have done the opposite. Kenyans can no longer put food on their tables. In fact we are likely to have school dropouts next year because parents cannot afford to raise school fees,” he said.
Rights of Kenyans
Panyako, who is also the ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Vice Chairperson said his position in the party will not silence him from agitating for the rights of Kenyans.
“My position in UDA will not compromise my commitment to fighting for the rights of my members and Kenyans who are now suffering,” Panyako stated.
In May this year, the nurses union boss fell out with Kenya Kwanza government due to his opposition to the controversial 2023 Finance Act.
The Act introduced among others the 1.5 percent housing levy and also increased Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 8 to 16 percent.
Government critics have blamed the controversial Act whose sections were recently declared unconstitutional for contributing to the high cost of living.
