NAIROBI, Kenya – Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has condemned the government’s handling of the recent Gen Z protests, demanding justice and accountability for the lives lost.
In a post on X-formerly Twitter, the Senator urged his colleagues to demand for justice for the more than 40 young Kenyans killed by police.
His sentiments came shortly after President William Ruto dissolved his Cabinet, that has since lost public trust.
“Why is life so cheap in this country?” Omtatah posed.
“Unless we demand justice for the kids who were killed, there is nothing we are doing as Senators. We are just going to the same usual thing of lulling the country to sleep.”
The protests, driven by Kenya’s youth, erupted in response to the controversial Finance Bill and widespread discontent with the government’s performance.
The demonstrations saw brutal crackdowns, with several young protesters killed and many others injured.
The government’s narrative, led by President Ruto, claimed that criminals had infiltrated the protests, necessitating a forceful response.
“President Ruto told us that criminals were on the streets, yet he has not produced a single criminal,” Omtatah stated.
“We cannot be told lies every day. If we have to do anything, we have to demand accountability for that blood. We must demand that President Ruto produces the criminals he claimed invaded Parliament if they were not citizens.”
Human Rights organizations and the Law Society of Kenya are also calling for the arrest of the killer cops, some already identified by members of the public.
“President Ruto claimed on national TV that there were criminals,” Omtatah continued.
“Can he produce a single criminal who was involved in this business? He has better intelligence than we do. The time when people said words and got away with it are behind us. Can he point out among those dead people, can he isolate one person who was a criminal that his security forces were targeting?” Omtatah asked,
“This is not how to run a country. You can’t brand citizens criminals and kill them and say we are going to do it at all costs.”
The deaths of the young protesters have left a deep scar on the nation, with many families mourning their lost loved ones and seeking justice. Omtatah’s speech has amplified these voices, bringing national attention to the issue and pressuring the government to respond.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the protests, Omtatah’s call for accountability resonates with a populace tired of empty promises and seeking genuine change. The demand for justice and transparency is not just about the events of the past weeks but a broader plea for a government that respects and values the lives of its citizens.
In conclusion, Senator Okiya Omtatah’s powerful speech has cast a spotlight on the critical issues facing Kenya today. His demands for accountability and justice serve as a wake-up call to both the government and the people, urging them to take a stand for the truth and the sanctity of life. The coming days will reveal whether these calls will lead to meaningful action or be dismissed as yet another chapter in Kenya’s turbulent political saga.
