Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga skipped the State of the Nation address that occurred at the Parliament buildings on Thursday, despite an executive seat being reserved for him at the Speaker’s Gallery.
Surprisingly, Odinga’s designated seat was strategically placed between Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki
Instead of attending the State of the Nation address, Odinga participated in a student leaders’ forum, engaging with representatives from various universities across Kenya.
Accompanying him were prominent political figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and other leaders affiliated with the ODM party.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had earlier confirmed through a tweet that he will not attend the event.
Sifuna claimed that the Head of state cannot be trusted to paint the true picture of the state of the nation during his address.
“The standing orders require that the head of state in an address to Parliament be heard in silence. Two problems. 1. Ruto cannot be trusted to paint the true picture of the State of the Nation which as you know is dire. 2. I cannot sit quietly listening to lies,” Sifuna stated.
“For these reasons and out of respect for the institution of Parliament I shall not attend the State of the Nation address.”
