Omtatah accuses Ruto of undermining rule of law in governing Kenya

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah at the Bunge Towers, Nairobi on July 29, 2024 [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has sharply criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of favoring force over the rule of law and undermining constitutional governance.

Speaking on NTV on Thursday, a day after taking part in the youth-led protests, Omtatah commended the resolve of protesters who turned out in large numbers on Wednesday, demanding accountability, justice, and reform.

Omtatah warned that the Ruto administration is acting in ways that sideline the Constitution while serving the interests of political elites at the expense of ordinary citizens.

“When President William Ruto was being sworn in, he did not lift the Constitution, he lifted the sword. That symbolised that he believes in force, not in the law,” claimed Omtatah.

The Senator called for a peaceful, democratic revolution rooted in constitutional values. Urging young Kenyans to register as voters and participate actively in political life, he said: “The revolution should begin with today’s politics. It must be rooted in the Constitution. Let young people register as voters and use their voices at the ballot.”

As part of his broader vision for electoral reforms, Omtatah proposed the development of a digital platform to allow citizens to track election results via mobile phones, enhancing transparency and safeguarding against manipulation.

“What Kenyans want is good governance, an end to police brutality and extrajudicial killings,” he said.

Omtatah further called for the prosecution of public officials who incite violence or sponsor criminal gangs, asserting that true leadership must be grounded in justice and accountability.

He also echoed the economic grievances voiced by protesters, noting Kenya’s continued dependence on international lenders such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which he referred to as a form of "economic colonisation."