Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, has delivered a firm and unapologetic critique of President William Ruto’s administration, expressing deep concerns over what he described as repeated violations of the Constitution and a growing culture of impunity in the country.
Speaking during a live interview on KTN News on July 14, 2025, Omtatah accused the president of allegedly disregarding the supreme law and undermining democratic institutions, stating, “The Constitution is not a suggestion, it is the president’s job description. When it is ignored, the foundation of our nation is shaken.”
He emphasized that no leader, regardless of position, is above the law and reminded Kenyans that the country is not built around one individual. “Kenya is bigger than one person,” he said. “We have buried presidents, impeached governors, and removed ministers, but the country has continued. That is the strength of our democracy.”
The senator took issue with what he called the militarisation of the police, especially in their handling of recent demonstrations. He condemned the deployment of heavily armed officers in full combat gear to disperse peaceful protesters, arguing that such actions are unconstitutional and deeply dangerous.
“When you deploy armed officers in riot gear to confront peaceful demonstrators, you’re no longer policing; you’re waging war on your own people,” Omtatah remarked.
However, he called for the disbandment and total restructuring of the National Police Service, saying it had lost public trust and now serves power instead of the people. “We need to overhaul the police service completely and recruit afresh, based on merit and integrity,” he said.
On matters relating to elections, Omtatah raised concerns about the recently appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.
He further pointed out that some individuals who were appointed did not meet the necessary qualifications and questioned the credibility of the selection process.
Despite this, he expressed confidence that Kenya could still deliver a credible election in 2027. “Even if President Ruto were to chair the IEBC himself, the system we’ve built will not allow him to rig the election,” he asserted. He added that the people of Kenya are now more vigilant and will not allow the manipulation of their will.
Responding to the recent calls by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for national dialogue, Omtatah dismissed the idea, saying it has become a tired tool often used to mask the deeper rot within government.
“We have had countless meaningless dialogues that only serve to conceal the darkness happening in government. Dialogue has become a distraction rather than a solution,” he said, urging Kenyans to reject any superficial attempts at political consensus that do not address the real issues facing the country.
Omtatah also praised the country’s youth, particularly the Gen Z population, for rising to defend their constitutional rights.
The Busia Senator applauded their courage in stepping out to protest injustice, even in the face of intimidation and violence.
“I salute Gen Z for standing up and exercising their rights under Article 37 of the Constitution. They have done what many feared to do. They are the voice of a new Kenya,” he said, urging Gen Z to remain strong.
The lawyer, while concluding his remarks, maintained that change will not come from boardroom agreements or political handshakes, but from a united citizenry that holds leaders accountable.
“The president should meet protesters, not beat protesters. He should lead as a servant of the people, not as a ruler above them,” Omtatah said.
