Okiya Omtatah Corrects Speaker Kingi, Refuses to Be Referred to as Senator for Busia
As Kingi invited him to speak, he addressed him as the “Senator for Busia County.” But Omtatah quickly raised his hand and interrupted—politely but firmly.
“This is a national house. It’s the Parliament of Kenya, not the Parliament of Busia,” Omtatah began.
He insisted that he should be known as a “Senator from Busia,” emphasizing his national role.
“I am elected by the people of Busia to serve in a national institution. Therefore, the correct English is that I’m a senator from Busia,” he explained.
Khalwale Joins In: “Is He Disowning His Title?”
Immediately, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale jumped in, clearly puzzled by Omtatah’s phrasing.
“Mr. Speaker, you were consulting when the senator for Busia started speaking. He has denied that he is the senator for Busia. What is he talking about?” Khalwale asked.
Speaker Kingi, holding back a chuckle, sought clarification:
“Are you the senator for Busia or not?”
Omtatah doubled down without hesitation. His reply remained the same: He is from Busia, not for it.
Eventually, Speaker Kingi gave in with humor and grace.
“Okay, senator Omtatah, who has been elected by the people of Busia to represent the Republic of Kenya in the Senate, may you proceed,” he said, triggering laughter in the chamber.
Kenyans React: “The English’s English!”
Online, Kenyans didn’t waste time reacting.
Okara Maranga joked: “The English’s English, the Chair has dug aside.”
Otis added: “Man, currently everyone is angry in this country. Makosa kidogo unaezanyongwa.”
Dante admired: “Hadi Kingi akatii. This Omtatah is brilliant ooh.”
B.B Browdy chimed in: “Kizungu itembee.”
William Omosh offered insight: “He is right. The Senate works for Kenya, not their homes.”
Omtatah Stands Firm Again – This Time on Freedom of Speech
Just days later, on March 28, Omtatah once again spoke up—this time against CDF Charles Kahariri and NIS Director Noordin Haji.
Omtatah warned: “Framing the slogan as a national threat undermines the neutrality of their offices.”
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Okiya Omtatah Corrects Speaker Kingi, Refuses to Be Referred to as Senator for Busia
