The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and a section of Senators have condemned the sustained attack targeting the person of Busia Senator Okiya Omtataha and his home and relatives terming the move as a threat to his life.
The demanded for thorough probe by authorities on the attacks and harassment against the Busia Senator.
ODM said no Kenyan should live in fear for their lives, and their safety should be a priority.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the continued harassment of Senator Okiya Omtatah, the latest being the raid on his rural home by unknown people who were demanding to know his whereabouts.” The opposition party headed by Raila Odinga noted.
“Every Kenyan including leaders must be guaranteed their safety at all times. We call on the government to move quickly and investigate the claims.” The statement added.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma reiterated their sentiments, condemning a Wednesday assault on Omtatah.
“I wish to condemn this state of lawlessness and ask the relevant security apparatus to address the issue pronto. The Senator should be accorded proper security.” Otuoma said.
On their part, the Senators urged investigative agencies to expedite investigations and bring culpable individuals to book.
The Senators, who included Senate Deputy Minority Whip Edwin Sifuna, decried increasing attacks on their colleagues ostensibly to sabotage the oversight roles in counties.
Senators demanded the Director of Criminal Investigation(DCI), Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to investigate the incident attack on Omtatah’s rural home that left one person injured.
Just weeks before the raid at his rural home, Omtatah suffered an attack on March 22 when unknown assailants accosted him while leaving Busia Law Courts.
“The relevant agencies should conduct a thorough investigation into all these happenings to assure the Senate and the public that his life is not in danger and not in any way related to his work as an activist or Senator.” Sifuna said.
He accused a section of county bosses of sponsoring attacks aimed at intimidating Senators questioning the utilization of county funds.
“Some of us are facing challenges in our counties. We are under attack from our Governors who are sending goons to us during our oversight tours and maligning our names on social media,” Sifuna remarked.
Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma pointed an accusing finger at the Busia County Administration led by Governor Paul Otuoma questioning why the attack happened days after Senator Omtatah dragged the county to court.
Omtatah had filed a petition in the High Court against the Busia Governor accusing him of undermining his oversight role.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo termed the attack on Senator Omtatah unacceptable appealing to the security agencies to beef up security for a section of Senators whose lives are in danger following threats and attacks from governors.
“We want to urge our county security should be alert in regards to what is happening to senators in regards to their oversight role. Security agencies should take action on governors mobilizing goons.” She stated.
