- Okiya Omtatah told Senate Speaker Amason Kingi that he should not be addressed as the senator for Busia county
- He said he was elected not just to represent the people of Busia, but to serve the citizens of the entire Kenya
- This did not sit well with Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, who promptly urged the speaker to seek clarification on Omtatah’s remarks
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
A light moment played out in the Senate when Busia senator Okiya Omtatah corrected Speaker Amason Kingi over how he addressed him.
Source: Facebook
How does Okiya Omtatah prefer to be addressed?
While inviting Omtatah to speak during the Senate’s sitting on Thursday, March 17, Kingi referred to him as the “Senator for Busia county.”
Before making his remarks, Omtatah objected to the phrasing and clarified that he prefers to be referred to as a “Senator from Busia County,” not “for” Busia.
He noted that his oath of office was to the Republic of Kenya, not solely to Busia. He further stated that the title reflects his position in the national legislature.
“This is a national house. It’s the Parliament of Kenya, not the Parliament of Busia. 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,” Omtatah said.
Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale interjected, asking for clarity, noting that Omtatah seemed to be disowning his title.
“Mr. Speaker, you were consulting when the senator for Busia started speaking. He has denied that he is the senator for Busia and made a lot of statements about it. What is he talking about?” Khalwale asked.
Speaker Kingi turned to Omtatah for confirmation.
“Are you the senator for Busia or not?”
Omtatah stood by his position, repeating that he is a senator from Busia, representing the nation. Kingi then humorously conceded the point.
“Okay, senator Omtatah, who has been elected by the people of Busia to represent the Republic of Kenya in the Senate, may you proceed,” Kingi said, prompting laughter in the chamber.
How did Kenyans react to Omtatah correcting Kingi?
Kenyans online quickly took to their socials to respond to Omtatah schooling Kingi on how he should refer to him.
Okara Maranga:
“The English’s English, the Chair has dug aside.”
Otis:
“Man, currently everyone is angry in this country. Makosa kidogo unaezanyongwa.”
Dante:
“Hadi Kingi akatii. This Omtatah is brilliant ooh.”
B.B Browdy:
“Kizungu itembee.”
William Omosh:
“He is right, the senate works for Kenya, not their homes. When that Governor from Mandera who bought a crate of soda at 3 Million is grilled, he is grilled before a senate committee. So yes, Senators work for the people of Kenya.”
Omtatah calls out CDF Kahariri over ‘Ruto must go’ warning
Omtatah has never shied away from expressing strong views.
Source: Facebook
On March 28, he took issue with Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri and National Intelligence Service Director Noordin Haji after they cautioned Kenyans against promoting the “Ruto Must Go” slogan.
Omtatah voiced concern over the involvement of the two top security officials in a political matter, saying their public statements undermined the independence required of their offices.
He argued that framing the slogan as a national threat conflicted with their constitutional mandates.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke