Speaking during a live interview on Wednesday morning, the outspoken legislator said he had no intention of sitting through what he described as a predictable political ritual that no longer serves the public interest.
Nyutu argued that the annual address had increasingly become a platform for the president to “repackage old promises” while failing to address concerns raised by citizens and their elected representatives.
According to him, attending the session would amount to legitimising a ceremony that he believes has lost meaning.
“The people of Murang’a have repeatedly told me they are tired of listening to commitments that never move beyond the podium,” he said.
“If they do not wish to be subjected to more of the same, then it is my responsibility to honour that position. I cannot show up simply to fill a seat when I know nothing honest or new will come from it.”
He further noted that previous State of the Nation addresses had been followed by little action, particularly on issues legislators had flagged as urgent.
Nyutu accused the executive of treating the event as a political presentation rather than a moment for accountability or sober reflection.
“Every year, we gather, listen, applaud, and then walk out without any real change. At some point you have to protect your own peace,” he remarked.
He added that he expected this year’s session to mirror the pattern of past addresses—lofty declarations, applause from government allies, and swift return to business as usual.
The joint sitting, called by the speakers of both the Senate and National Assembly, is set to begin at 2:30 pm at the National Assembly Chamber.
President Ruto is expected to outline the administration’s achievements over the past year, priority legislation, and strategic plans for 2026.
The address traditionally covers economic performance, governance, development milestones, and social welfare policies.
Despite the constitutional significance of the ceremony, Nyutu insisted that presence alone does not equate to meaningful participation.
He emphasised that his absence should be read as a statement of frustration with what he views as a widening gap between presidential rhetoric and lived reality.
“For me, this is not defiance,” he said. “It is simply refusing to sit through another session that tells the country everything except the truth.”
Tags
Politics