Senator Omtatah Reveals Items Stolen During Daring Office Raid
The office in Busia was ransacked to the extent that perpetrators had made away with assorted electronic goods, including computers.
Marvin Chege 
Busia Senator, Okiya Omtatah on Sunday, July 23 confirmed that suspected thugs had broken into his office on the night of Friday, July 21.
The office was found in messy scenes on the morning of Saturday, July 22 after unknown individuals had forced their way in.
The office in Busia was ransacked to the extent that perpetrators had made away with assorted electronic goods, including computers.
Activist Okiya Omtatah presenting his petition at the Supreme Court on Friday, September 2, 2022. /ZAKHEEM RAJAN.FILE
“I don’t want to speculate for now. They stole electronic goods and other stuff,” Omtatah told the media.
While adding that he reported the matter to the police, Omtatah noted that among the things investigators will aim to establish is the motive of the raid.
“They could be ordinary burglars but we don’t know the motive so far. We leave it to the police,” he added.
Omtatah remarked that it was not immediately clear whether the raid was linked to his stance on Finance Act, which he filed a petition against, or recent policy positions on government actions.
The first-term senator did not reveal the contents of computers and other electronics that were picked from the office, but it is likely that they contain files and communications on his work as a legislator and human rights activist.
Omtatah has been a staunch critic of the government with regards to policy positions including filing a petition challenging the legality of the Finance Act.
The Act remains suspended by the courts, which for now spares Kenyans from being hit by tax hikes which would have adversely affected employees' salaries and forced buyers to spend more on commodities.
The break-in came at a time when the Kenyan government has been on the spot over perceived crackdowns on key opposition figures and those viewed as going against the will of the State.
The suspension of the implementation of the Finance Act 2023 was subject to criticism by Kenya Kwanza figures, led by Musalia Mudavadi who slammed the Judiciary, accusing the arm of government for not taking into account public interest principle in its decisions.
“It is true that the Judiciary must be independent, and it is also true that its independence is guaranteed within the Constitution. But it is also important that the Judiciary becomes alive to what we call public interest. Public interest should always be taken into account when courts are pronouncing themselves on certain key matters.
“The issue in court is a procedural issue, not even substance in terms of the law but mere procedural issue. Whoever made this decision, I hope you will reflect because how can a procedural issue supersede public interest? It is not possible and it is not good for this country that public interest is taken for granted,” Mudavadi said.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has since selected a three-judge bench to hear and determine the petition on the Finance Act.
