South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro/ HANDOUTSouth Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro has refuted claims by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka regarding an invitation to the New Year’s Eve dinner hosted by President William Ruto at Kisii State Lodge.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Osoro added that he had handled the distribution of invitation cards to select friends and leaders, implying Onyonka was not among the intended guests.
“Hiyo sio ya State Lodge. Haijamfikia. Naendelea kuitafuta kwa list.!!”
However, he said that during last week’s Gusii leaders meeting with Ruto at the State House, amidst the recent abduction crisis, Onyonka raised issues on housing and the Social Health Authority (SHA).
On the invites, Osoro regretted not having much space at the lodge to invite more people.
He said President Ruto had opted to invite just a few including former Kisii Governor James Ongwae and Stephen Manoti among others.
Onyonka earlier said he declined an invitation to dinner noting that 2024 was tumultuous and painful for Kenyans.
Onyonka said the country is fending the year “at a very low end" adding ongoing abductions, corruption and violation of the people's rights, especially to young Kenyans is sad and painful to many.
“It's sad to remember our past. It means Kenya is going back to factory settings; indeed, history repeats itself,” he stated.
The Senator said he is uncomfortable with the idea that some of them will be normal, happy and excited with colour and pomp when other Kenyan families are agonising in pain, looking for their loved ones to share during this season, but in vain.
“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 maintained that fidelity to the Constitution is paramount to all Kenyans.