‘If Ruto gives me some cash I will take it’ – ODM senator Onyonka
By Harrison.Kivisu, February 9, 2023Kisii senator Richard Onyonka says Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of Parliament (MPs) who went to State House at the invitation of President William Ruto should not be crucified for seeking development for their electorates.
Onyonka says leaders should not be misunderstood for having an audience with the president irrespective of their political party affiliation.
“We need to understand that at some point, leaders must talk with each other, I believe even if we are in the opposition, if Ruto calls me, and says Richard come and see me, I will go, but that does mean am going to become a member of Kenya Kwanza,” Onyonka said.
Speaking in Mombasa on the sidelines of the senate finance and budget committee retreat, Onyonka downplayed assertions that the Azimio coalition was fading out saying the political outfit is still strong.
He added, “I will stand and say Mr President I thank you, I know your capacity and my people are in need of a road is it possible you allocate money for that road, after that, I will shake his hand and walk out if he gives me some cash I will take it, there is nothing wrong with that, if he doesn’t I will still appreciate because I expect him to give me the road.”
Onyonka said the leaders have a role and a right to discuss with the president on matters of development, and people should move out of the confusion.
“I want to state that those who drafted the constitution, knew very well that there is a need to talk with each other, then talk to each other, the problem with the ODM party is that they see as if you had gone to seek handout,” Onyonka said.
The ODM senator said it was unreasonable for legislators to be rebuked for seeking development for their people. He says he is not against the idea of Azimio’s rallies to destabilize the government.
“But now we are now beginning to discuss issues of rallies, and how we need to make the government dysfunctional, my feeling is, the reality is William Ruto is the president of Kenya he has been sworn in, what do you do, he has been sworn in,” Onyonka posed.