Over the years, Senator Omtatah has made a name for himself as an indomitable advocate for the Constitution. His track record includes notable legal challenges, most prominently against the Finance Act of 2023, which he argued infringed upon Kenyan citizens’ rights. His persistence led to a suspension of its rollout in July of the same year. The following year, he was back in the courtroom, challenging the controversial Finance Bill of 2024, which proposed significant tax hikes. His tenacity in both cases won him the admiration of many, including the younger, leaderless protesters of Gen Z, who took to the streets in 2024, demanding accountability and change
By Mdadisi Mmoja
In the humid hustle of Nairobi, where the air sometimes hums with palpable tension, a storm of whispers has been swirling for some time. At the heart of this intrigue is the Honourable Okiya Omtatah, the fiery Busia Senator known for his unwavering stance against government overreach. Yet, recent murmurs have cast a shadow over his reputation, as accusations and rumours weave a tale of conspiracy and betrayal.
The allegations, originating from a podcast by the outspoken Kasmuel McOure, claim that Omtatah might have played a hidden role in stifling the events that preceded the unrest surrounding the June 25, 2024, protests. These claims are murky, suggesting shadowy meetings and even covert financial backing from security agencies, yet no concrete evidence has emerged to confirm McOure’s accusations.
Kasmuel McOure first rose to prominence during the Gen Z protests but later took a controversial turn, aligning himself with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its leader, Raila Odinga. This shift sparked accusations of betrayal from those who viewed his earlier independence as a stance of defiance against political parties and power structures.
Over the years, Senator Omtatah has made a name for himself as an indomitable advocate for the Constitution. His track record includes notable legal challenges, most prominently against the Finance Act of 2023, which he argued infringed upon Kenyan citizens’ rights. His persistence led to a suspension of its rollout in July of the same year. The following year, he was back in the courtroom, challenging the controversial Finance Bill of 2024, which proposed significant tax hikes. His tenacity in both cases won him the admiration of many, including the younger, leaderless protesters of Gen Z, who took to the streets in 2024, demanding accountability and change.
At the People’s Dialogue Festival in March 2025, Omtatah stood before a large crowd, praising the protests for their purity—a call for justice, not power. His words resonated with the masses, further solidifying his image as a champion of the oppressed. This stance, however, seems at odds with the latest allegations levelled against him. Some sources claim that Omtatah secretly worked to undermine the Gen Z movement, allegedly with the support of state security funds. These accusations, however, are based on vague rumours and lack credible sources. An online article on July 16, 2024, paints a different picture. It reveals that Omtatah had attempted to meet with protesters before they breached Parliament on June 25, only to be blocked by security officers. His intention, it appears, was to engage, not oppose.
The suggestion that Omtatah may have been bankrolled by security agencies seems rather implausible. In fact, Omtatah has often been at odds with these agencies. In April 2024, his rural home was attacked in what the ODM condemned as a politically motivated assault. Amnesty International later called for his protection, acknowledging the threats he faced. If Omtatah truly had the support of security forces, it seems odd that they would target him in such a manner.
The plot thickens with another accusation: did Omtatah play a part in orchestrating the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, as suggested by Kasmuel McOure? The impeachment, which culminated in Gachagua’s removal from office on October 17, 2024, sent shockwaves through the political landscape. The charges against him were severe—corruption, ethnic incitement, and insubordination—though Gachagua has consistently denied them. While some of President William Ruto’s allies appeared to drive the impeachment, Omtatah was far from a supporter of the move. In a January 2025 interview, Omtatah publicly revealed that he had voted against the impeachment, denouncing it as a constitutional violation. He also claimed that senators were offered bribes to secure their votes, a sum he refused. Despite the swirling rumours, there is no evidence to suggest that Omtatah was behind any kind of conspiracy to oust Gachagua.
So, where do these stories come from? Nairobi’s rumour mill is a powerful force, constantly feeding on the chaos of political upheaval. Smear campaigns, half-truths, and misinterpretations of Omtatah’s outspoken nature are perhaps to blame. As an activist, Omtatah has long been a source of debate and discussion, often sparking strong reactions with his opinions and strategies. But the more recent allegations—of secret meetings with security forces and attempts to sabotage the Gen Z protests—seem to lack any real substance. No hard evidence has surfaced to back these claims—no dates, no witnesses, and no leaked documents—just whispers that conflict with Omtatah’s long-standing record of defiance against the establishment.
As of today, the city is still buzzing with questions. Omtatah remains a polarising figure, with his every move scrutinised. The allegations, though lingering like smoke, have yet to materialise into something more substantial. For now, Omtatah stands as a champion of the Constitution, a voice for the aggrieved, and a figure who remains an enigma to many. If any truths are yet to come to light, they will need to be uncovered through careful investigation, not through vague rumours and unfounded claims.
In the meantime, the story of Okiya Omtatah is one of doubt, defiance, and a nation struggling to understand its shadows.
