Garissa MP: Why I declined State House invite

Garissa Woman Rep Amina Udgoon Siyad said yesterday she refused to join her Jubilee colleagues to meet President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi  because of integrity concerns.

She said she felt it would have been  awkward for her to accompany the more than 30 Jubilee MPs to the meeting as it had no clear agenda. Siyad said she received an invite but declined to attend.

“The reason I didn’t go to State House is that if all elected leaders join the government who will put the government to task on accountability?” she posed.

“We know he is the President of the country and we respect that. He must let democracy thrive and allow the Opposition be. He doesn’t need to invite everyone to his government,” Siyad said.

Opposition crucial

The MP promised to remain loyal to her party and perform her duties in Parliament.

“We need a strong Opposition to check these people in government. There are many issues affecting us that we in the opposition are needed,” she told People Daily after her colleagues had left the morning meeting.

The Jubilee MPs pledged to work with the government to advance its development agenda. According to State House, the MPs pledged put political differences aside and work for the people.

They met Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at State House.

Ruto said it was inevitable for leaders to work together, noting that “the people who elected you are the same people who elected us”.

“You have a right to make choices as Kenya is a democratic country. You are now our members and we will treat you as such,” Ruto said.

“We will be seeking your support on Bills and regulations on the Housing Fund, Water Purchasing Agreements, among others,” the President added.