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Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka has turned down an invitation to attend a state end-of-year eve dinner set to be held at Kisii State Lodge by President William Ruto on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

In a statement, the vocal senator attributed his decision to the failure by the Head of State to address key issues in the country, including abductions.

“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,” Onyonka’s statement read in part.

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

Onyonka argued that the president had failed to honour his promise of ending abduction by ensuring the safe returns of Kenyans who have been reported missing in various parts.

Onyonka, who was elected on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket, further claimed that the Head of State had failed to honour the oath of office where he vowed to protect the constitution.

“We are ending our year at a very low end! Kenyans have asked, begged, and pleaded with President Ruto, to which he has given a deaf ear! Fidelity to our constitution is paramount to all Kenyans. We have always expected and hoped that the president would uphold the rule of law, but this has failed,” Onyonka’s statement added.

“I have a strong conviction that the president has fallen short of his oath of office, where he should obey, preserve, protect, and uphold the sovereignty, integrity, and dignity of the people of Kenya. Expectations are 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 to all Kenyans, would have released these young Kenyans who were abducted and some arrested; he has not.”

By the time of this publication, State House officials had not confirmed if Senator Onyonka was among the guests invited for that event.

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!

Nothing to CELEBRATE! pic.twitter.com/H598Fmel8I

— Senator Richard Onyonka (@RichardOnyonka_) December 31, 2024

Ruto’s end year message

The Head of State is expected to give his end-of-year address on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. He is expected to highlight some of his achievements in the last 365 days.

Most Kenyans will be eager to hear Ruto’s plan to fully turn around the economy, create jobs, and empower businesses. Additionally, citizens would be keen to learn about his plans regarding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the University Funding Model, and whether policies in the education sector are working for or against Kenyans. This follows a series of concerns raised by students and parents affected by the system.

The rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) also received much criticism from different stakeholders despite the government putting on a spirited campaign to defend it. The Head of State is also expected to address the issue and inspire hope ahead of the new year.

Protests and abductions have also characterised 2024; Ruto is expected to address the issue as his government looks to turn a new leaf in 2025.