Senator Omtatah Ejected From Senate Over ‘Unparliamentary’ Remarks on Ruto

Senator Omtatah Ejected From Senate Over ‘Unparliamentary’ Remarks on Ruto

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has been ejected from the Senate and suspended for three sitting days after a heated confrontation with Speaker Amason Kingi over remarks he made about President William Ruto.

The incident occurred during the afternoon Senate sitting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, after Omtatah was ordered to withdraw a statement in which he described the president as “yapping” during a recent roadside declaration.

Omtatah challenged the Speaker’s directive, arguing that the word he had used was not unparliamentary and that he should not be required to withdraw it.

The senator told the House that he intended to address the matter out of respect for parliamentary proceedings rather than defy the Speaker.

“I rise to address this House on the requirement you have placed upon me to withdraw my statement regarding the President’s recent roadside declaration. I wish to do so not out of defiance but out of deep respect for this House and the integrity of our parliamentary language.”

Omtatah then defended his choice of words, insisting that “yapping” did not violate parliamentary language.

“The term I used was not unparliamentary. The statement in question was my observation that the President was yapping when he made a roadside declaration. Yapping is not unparliamentary.”

The explanation, however, did not convince Speaker Kingi, who ordered the Busia senator to leave the chamber for three sitting days.

“Omtatah, I order you to leave the chamber for three sitting days. You may leave now. May you leave the chamber.”

The exchange continued as Omtatah appeared reluctant to immediately leave the chamber.

Kingi then warned the senator that continued defiance could result in the Sergeant-at-Arms being instructed to remove him.

The Speaker said such a move could attract a significantly longer suspension.

“Do not make me direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to come for you because that will amount to 90 days.”

Kingi also reminded Omtatah that the Senate operates under the rules governing Kenya’s Parliament and not those of the Westminster parliamentary system.

The Speaker subsequently directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the senator out of the chamber.

“Sergeant-at-Arms, may you get Omtatah out of the Parliament.”

The dramatic exchange briefly shifted attention from the business of the Senate to the dispute over parliamentary language and the limits of debate when discussing the president.

Parliamentary Speakers have powers under the Standing Orders to maintain order during proceedings and to require members to withdraw remarks considered offensive, disorderly or contrary to parliamentary practice.

Members who fail to comply with directions from the Chair can face disciplinary measures, including suspension from sittings.

Omtatah’s criticism of Ruto

Omtatah has been a vocal critic of President Ruto’s administration and has frequently questioned government policies, decisions and governance strategies.

As a senator, he has used parliamentary proceedings to raise concerns about issues affecting public administration, constitutional governance and government policy.

His latest clash with the Speaker comes amid heightened political debate in Kenya as leaders and political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

President Ruto’s public statements and policy decisions have increasingly become subjects of debate in Parliament and across the country.

For Omtatah, Thursday’s incident ended with his removal from the Senate chamber and a three-sitting-day suspension.

The episode also highlighted the tension that can arise when lawmakers use strong language while challenging statements or actions by senior government officials.

The Senate is expected to continue with its scheduled business while Omtatah serves the suspension imposed by the Speaker.

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Senator Omtatah Ejected From Senate Over ‘Unparliamentary’ Remarks on Ruto