I lost 10 teeth, fractured my skull fighting for Kenyans' rights - Okiya Omtatah

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah claims to have sustained extensive physical injuries fighting for the rights of Kenyans during his long career as an activist. 

Speaking at the Okoa Uchumi Forum last week, Omtatah recalled how he was allegedly roughed up by individuals he claims were pro-government supporters, losing ten of his teeth and fracturing his skull twice in the process.

The incident, he went on, largely stemmed from the fact that he reportedly turned down a Ksh.9 million bribe.

"I have fought occasionally as a one-man army. I don't have ten teeth, they are fake. They were knocked out because I refused a bribe of Ksh.9 million. My skull has been broken twice but the issue is we must remain faithful," said the Busia Senator.  

"When I began fighting the Finance Bill in Busia, I stood up and told the President that the taxes he wanted to bring are unconstitutional and were going to destroy the economy. I told him he was a friend but if he didn't change I would take him to court and so we went to court. The bill ililamba maji."

Omtatah added that he will move to the Supreme Court and challenge the government's decision to appeal the  Court of Appeal's judgment, which declared the Finance Act, 2023 unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court, on August 20, issued conservatory orders, temporarily suspending portions of the Court of Appeal's decision declaring the Finance Act, 2023, unconstitutional.

The decision came in response to appeals filed by the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Planning, along with four other government officials, against the Court of Appeal's decision.

The Finance Act, 2023 suffered a major setback on July 31, 2024, when the Court of Appeal invalidated it, citing procedural flaws in its enactment.

The appellate court's decision caused widespread uncertainty about the government's financial and operational frameworks, prompting the appellants to seek relief from the Supreme Court.

"Today I have come from the Supreme Court where they (the government) have appealed We are going to fight," he said.

"We have the power to deal with these people and the power is to say no. If I had taken the Ksh.200 million sent to me through some civil society activist and pull out the case against the Finance Bill, I would not have gotten the achievement I got but I told that guy to keep his money and I'll keep my country."