ODM Senator Declines President Ruto’s Invitation To New Year’s Eve State Dinner
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has declined an invitation to the New Year’s Eve state banquet on Tuesday at the Kisii State Lodge.
While recognizing that 2024 was difficult and traumatic for Kenyans, Onyonka claimed the country is facing the year “at a very low end”
In a statement, Onyonka added that the continued abductions, corruption, and violations of people’s rights, particularly among young Kenyans, are sad and upsetting for many.
“It’s sad to remember our past. It means Kenya is going back to factory settings; indeed, history repeats itself,” he stated.
The Kisii senator said he is uncomfortable with the concept that some of them will be normal, cheerful, and pleased with color and pomp while other Kenyan families are agonizing in misery, waiting for their loved ones but in vain.
The year comes to an end on a very low end. Kenyans agonizing over missing their loved ones, who are being held by the State!
— Senator Richard Onyonka (@RichardOnyonka_) December 31, 2024
Nothing to CELEBRATE! pic.twitter.com/H598Fmel8I
“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 insisted that all Kenyans must uphold the Constitution.
Human rights organizations, attorneys, and politicians have expressed worry over a new wave of abductions targeting government critics.
The latest disappearances have mostly involved young males who have attacked Kenya’s Kwanza administration.
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Police have denied involvement, but campaigners have questioned why they don’t appear to be investigating the disappearances.
On Monday, protests against the escalating number of abductions and enforced disappearances of government critics took place across the country.
Demonstrators requested the quick release of those reportedly kidnapped by security personnel, as well as a stop to illegitimate arrests.
The recent spike in abductions—over 10 reported in December alone, and more than 80 incidents this year, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has sparked nationwide outrage.
ODM Senator Declines President Ruto’s Invitation To New Year’s Eve State Dinner
