Kisii senator Richard Onyonka has declined an invitation to attend the New Year eve state dinner hosted by President William Ruto on Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 at the Kisii State Lodge.
In a statement, Onyonka said ongoing abductions, corruption and violation of the people’s rights, especially to young Kenyans is sad and painful to many.
The Kisii senator said he is uncomfortable with the idea that some of them will be normal, happy and excited with colour and pomp when other Kenyan families are agonising in pain, looking for their loved ones to share during this season, but in vain.
“Therefore, because of my deeply held views on these issues, I will not be attending the State New Year -Eve Dinner at the Kisii State Lodge, on the evening of Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in my capacity as the Senator of Kisii County. I therefore decline the invitation,” he stated.
Onyonka maintained that fidelity to the Constitution is paramount to all Kenyans.
While noting that 2024 was tumultuous and painful for Kenyans, Onyonka said the country is fending the year “at a very low end”.
“It’s sad to remember our past. It means Kenya is going back to factory settings; indeed, history repeats itself,” he stated.
Human rights groups, lawyers and politicians voiced concern over a fresh spate of abductions targeting government critics.