- Says The Youths ‘ll Soon Go After Corrupt Politicians in Africa…
- Nigerian Spectators Urge National Assembly To Wake Up To Its Responsibilities
By Abiola Olawale
The courage exhibited by Senator Richard Onyonka, the lawmaker representing the Kitutu Chache Constituency of Kissi County in the National Assembly of Kenya, has garnered recognition from Kenyan citizens and political observers worldwide including Nigeria.
In a bold move during the plenary session of the National Assembly of Kenya on Thursday, the lawmaker directly called upon President William Ruto and other politicians to step up and fulfil their responsibilities.
In his stern message, Onyonka cautioned that Kenya is approaching a critical juncture, and urged politicians to promptly confront the urgent issues facing the populace or else the youths will go soon after the corrupt politicians in Kenya and other African countries.
He issued this warning following a motion sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot. During the warning, Senators highlighted several pressing challenges requiring urgent action from President Ruto.
Onyonka urged the Senate to call on the National Assembly to swiftly consider the presidential memorandum as outlined in Article 115(2)(a).
The lawmaker in his motion also called for all government ministries, departments, agencies, and constitutional commissions, including Parliament, to implement austerity measures in their operations.
He also charged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of Kenya and other multi-sectoral governance agencies to intensify their efforts to combat corruption.
He said: “Who doesn’t know how many Governors own apartments in Kilimani each one of them costing 1.5b shillings. Why didn’t the FOOL just build a hospital where he comes from?”
“I just saw someone comment that Senators have nothing to do. I just want him to tell me how he bought a Bentley and he’s an MP.
“The truth is I’m born with advantage and privilege. That is the truth – I saw my father driving a big car when I was a small boy. That is not what drives me. What drives me is how do you get a Member of Parliament driving a Mercedes that costs 49m shillings that is normal.”
“We are the ones who have got companies which are doing business in government departments, we are the ones who are stealing the money. The elite and the political class are the biggest problems in this country. Kenyans are tired!”
Speaking on the violent protests that rocked the country, Onyonka called on the National Police Service to cease abductions, unlawful arrests, and extrajudicial killings, and exercise restraint when dealing with peaceful and unarmed demonstrators.
He also advocated for the release of all individuals arrested for planning and participating in peaceful demonstrations related to the Finance Bill.
According to him, the youths have realised their strength and are ready to use it to demand good governance.
He called on the President to listen to the demands of the people to avert further crisis in the country.
He continued: “There’s a new sheriff in town… they are partyless, leaderless, tribeless. All they have is a phone with bundles, they will stop this country!”
“The young people are not talking about silly things, they are talking about issues like our debt, capitation money not going to schools, lack of medicine in hospitals and politicians managing our economy as if we were cowboy economists”
A political analyst who spoke with the New Diplomat commended the lawmaker for standing up for the populace.
The analyst said it is commendable to see a federal lawmaker calling out the President and his fellow lawmakers for ignoring the demands of the people.
He said: “Can a Nigeria senator escape suspension with this contribution in or outside the Parliament?
“I also commend the Speaker of the Senate for not telling the Honourable Lawmaker to “off his mic” during his powerful speech.
“Nigerian politicians should learn from this”
