In response to a demand letter from lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, alleging that Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah made disparaging statements about Business Bay Square Mall (BBS Mall) during Senate proceedings on July 9, 2025, he has responded firmly.
Senator Omtatah rejected the allegations as unfounded in a demand letter dated August 25, 2025, characterizing them as a basic misinterpretation of constitutional supervision, parliamentary privilege, and the separation of powers concept.
He asserted that he stands by what he said on the Senate floor and insisted that his comments were made as part of his constitutional obligation to uphold accountability and transparency in government.
“Whatever I said in the Senate, exercising my parliamentary duty to hold the Executive accountable on matters of national interest, was strictly in execution of my constitutional mandate as a legislator and representative of the great people of Busia County and of Kenyans at large,” stated Omtatah in his response.
“My request for a statement under Standing Order 53(1) of the Senate was directed to the Standing Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industrialisation to inquire into, clarify, and report on the Government’s policy and administrative decisions surrounding the impugned duty-free rice importation.”
He referred to records indicating Senate proceedings indicate that he sought “accountability and transparency from the Executive on whether due process was followed in granting the reported importation quota to Business BBS Mall.”
Omtatah further stated that when issues of public interest are at stake, MPs are permitted to make references to private organizations under the doctrine of parliamentary privilege.
Omtatah downplayed the demands for apology and retraction, saying that any clarifications or denials should be discussed in front of the appropriate Senate Committee rather than by threatening lawmakers. He expressed confidence that such charges would be shown to be baseless and welcomed the idea of the topic being brought before the Powers and Privileges Committee.
Noting that “even the finest silk cannot clothe a lost cause,” Omtatah asserted that Kenyans had a right to transparency on matters of public interest. He insisted that he would not be intimidated or afraid to carry out his supervisory responsibilities.
