KHRC demands more protection for Omtatah after threats

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 8 – The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is now demanding that Inspector-General of Police Japheth Koome offer more protection to Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah’s after a series of attacks and threats.

In a statement, the Human rights body said the incidences linked to Omtatah’s activism aims to silence him.

“An assault on Omtatah is an attack on our democratic and civil rights and freedoms. We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Japheth Koome, ensure Omtatah’s safety and that of all activists in the country,” the Commission stated.

The body indicated that the attacks have escalated in recent months, the latest incident being invasion of Omtatah’s rural home on April 3, 2024 where unknown assailants raided his house at night injuring his wife after they failed to locate him. 

On March 22, 2024, assailants also accosted the senator outside a court in Busia, pelting him with stones as he departed, however his vehicle sustained damages while escaping unharmed.

December 16, 2023 the senator was turned away from filing death threats claims against President William Ruto at Nyanchwa police station in Kisii after he strongly opposed the Housing levy.

According to the Commission various activists led by the Busia Senator Okiya omtatah have faced assassinations threats among other repressive actions particularly after showing resistance to unconstitutional and anti-people decisions made by the State. 

”KHRC believes these attacks are undoubtedly linked to Omtatah’s activism, which involves defending human rights, challenging illegal government directives, and advocating for accountability. It is evident that influential people within the Kenya Kwanza administration are displeased with Omtatah’s powerful actions,” it added.

The staunch human rights defender previously contested the Housing Levy, which the court deemed unconstitutional, despite several attempts by the government to enforce the law.