Busia Senator and renowned human rights crusader Okiya Omtatah was yesterday turned away from Nyanchwa Police Station in Kisii county where he had gone to file death threat claims in regard to remarks made by resident William Ruto.
Omtatah was sent away from Nyanchwa Police Station after he had previously been sent away at Mosocho Police Station in Kitutu Chache South, still in Kisii.
Initially, he unsuccessfully attempted to lodge the case at Lang’ata Police Station in Nairobi but he was told to go to the “scene of crime” in Kisii where the president made the remarks.
He alleged that president’s remarks bordered insinuation that isolated him and others for thwarting his policies through court petitions.
The senator claimed that because he challenged the housing levy, the threat by the Head of State were directed to him and he got concerned.
“As he was speaking he started censuring those who challenged the Finance Act ruling particularly on the Housing Levy. He said that he would deal with them with the sword he was given in Kasarani.” Omtatah said.
The activist urged that he is not a crook as the president claimed that the sword of power is for dealing with crooks and not cutting vegetables.
“He said that sword is not for cutting vegetables but it is for dealing with those crooks opposing his government. I am not a crook and I have never done anything that can label me as a crook.” Omtatah added.
Despite meeting frustrations at the three police stations, Omtatah has vowed that he will make sure his statement is on record and a probe is launched against president Ruto’s suggestive statement.
“I have met a bullish OCPD who thinks he understands the law and has refused to take my statement. I will follow the law and ensure that this statement will be on record.” He stated.
He added that even if he fails to take Ruto to court at the moment, when he leaves the office of the president, he will still file a case against him in future.
“Even if I fail to take Ruto to court now, he will not be president forever. It will reach a point where he will leave and we will challenge him. We want that matter investigated.” He added.
The attempt by Omtatah to file the case comes hours after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) faulted president William Ruto over his remarks that he will do “Whatever it takes” to prove his legacy.
They termed the remarks as a threat to the rule of law asking him to respect the courts brushing off his sentiments that his legacy plans would happen with “whatever it takes” even after being stopped.
“The statement by president Ruto seems to label those utilizing constitutional court processes to question the government decisions as adversaries of national progress, are a direct threat to the rule of law and administration of justice. As a primary defence of public interest, the LSK finds such characterizations misleader and deeply troubling.” LSK President Erick Theuri said.
Over the past weekend, Ruto said the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), housing levy, selling parastatals valued at Sh200 billion, the affordable housing project well, and sending Kenyans to other countries in labor emigration deals, which have been stopped by the court, would still go on.
The president said he would not be stopped by ‘the lords of impunity’ whom he termed as ‘enemies of Kenya’ fond of running to court to challenge various policies within the current administration which according to him are aimed at improving the living standards of Kenyans.
