Kisii Senator Onyonka declines Ruto's State dinner

Richard Onyoka served as MP for three consecutive terms. He took over from his father, Dr Zachary Onyonka. [File, Standard]

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has declined President Ruto's invitation to the Kisii State Lodge dinner.

Onyonka in a statement, said it is absurd to be in celebratory mood while other Kenyans are in distress over abductions.

His decline comes a few hours before the President's end-of-year dinner gala, where Ruto is expected to usher in the new year with a national address.

According to Onyonka, attending the dinner would mock the families of victims of unlawful arrests, abductions, and detentions in recent months.

"We are ending our year at a very low end! Kenyans have asked, begged, and pleaded with Ruto (to release the abductees and detainees) to which he has given a deaf ear," Onyonka said.

"I have a strong conviction that the president has fallen short of his Oath of Office. He should obey, preserve, protect, and uphold the sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya," the Senator added.

Onyonka emphasised that Ruto should have responded to calls from Kenyans to release those reportedly in police custody before the end of 2024 if he hoped for a positive start to the new year.

"Expectations have been that after these pleas from Kenyans of all walks of life, the Head of State in his new year clarion call of unity of purpose, magnanimity and brotherliness, he would have released these young Kenyans. He has not," the legislator said.

"I am uncomfortable with the idea that some of us will be normal, happy and excited with color and pomp when other Kenyan families are agonizing in pain looking for their loved ones to share with during this season but in vain. I therefore decline the invitation."

This is not the first time Onyonka has refused to accompany Ruto in Kisii. Four months ago, he declined to join other leaders in welcoming the President during a visit to inspect and launch state projects.

Despite Onyonka’s decision, other leaders, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, welcomed the President to the region, calling his visit a blessing for the new year.

"Having the President ushering the year in Kisii is not just historical but a big privilege and honor to us as a community. We hope this will be a good year for us all to share in our national values," Nyaribo said.