Okiya Omtatah Og Image 2
A dramatic confrontation inside the Senate has taken an unexpected turn, with Senator Okiya Omtatah revealing that he has been suspended for three sitting days.
But what happened behind the scenes before the punishment was handed down is now raising eyebrows across the country. Read Full Article Here
The senator says he refused to take back a single word he used while criticizing President William Ruto, setting the stage for a disciplinary action that he insists will not stop him from speaking out.
According to Omtatah, his suspension followed his refusal to withdraw the word “yapping” when describing what he called the President’s roadside declaration concerning undocumented immigrants.
Rather than backing down, Omtatah doubled down on his constitutional argument. He said he respects the Chair but would not surrender his duty to question those in power and defend the Constitution.
The senator invoked Article 135, arguing that presidential decisions made under constitutional authority must be put in writing, sealed and signed. He maintained that a statement made at a roadside gathering cannot simply acquire the force of law because it was uttered by the President.
His suspension has therefore opened a wider debate over presidential authority, parliamentary debate and the boundaries of political speech.
Omtatah argued that the bigger issue is not the word that led to his suspension, but what he described as increasing intolerance toward accountability.
And despite being barred from the Senate for three sitting days, the senator insists he has no intention of becoming silent.
“Three days outside the Chamber will not silence me,” Omtatah said, maintaining that he will continue defending the Constitution and the Kenyan people.
His defiance is likely to keep the controversy alive long after the three-day suspension ends.
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