Okiya Omtatah Okoiti is a Kenyan human rights activist and engineer who has been at the forefront of challenging unconstitutional decisions and policies in the country. He is also the senator-elect of Busia County, having won the seat in the 2022 general elections on a little-known party ticket.
Early Life, Birthday, and Education
Okiya Omtatah was born on November 30, 1964 (age: 59 years, as of 2023), in Busia county, western Kenya. He is the only son and the youngest of five children in his family. He attended St. Paul’s Secondary School for form one and two, before transferring to St. Peter’s School in Mukumu, Kakamega county, for forms three and four. He excelled in his O-level exams and proceeded to form five and six in the same school, completing his high school education in 1983.
Omtatah had a passion for engineering and declined an admission offer to study commerce at the University of Nairobi. Instead, he joined St. Augustine in Mabanga, Bungoma County, where he pursued a diploma in philosophy. However, his studies were cut short by a fatal injury that affected his brain and caused him to develop epilepsy. He was diagnosed with grand mal, a severe form of seizure disorder, and had to abandon his priesthood aspirations.
He later enrolled at the Kenya Polytechnic, where he graduated with a diploma in mechanical and automobile engineering. He also obtained a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Nairobi through distance learning.
Okiya Omtatah Wiki/Bio
| Name | Okiya Omtatah Okoiti |
|---|---|
| Born | November 30, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Busia county, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Occupation | Human rights activist, engineer, politician |
| Education | Diploma in mechanical and automobile engineering from Kenya Polytechnic, bachelor’s degree in commerce from University of Nairobi |
| Notable cases | Petitioned against the 2017 presidential election results, the closure of the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, the inclusion of former President Jomo Kenyatta’s portrait on the new currency notes, the 2022/2023 financial bill, and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) |
| Awards and recognition | Received support and recognition from various local and international organizations, such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, and Transparency International |
| Social Links | Instagram- #okiyaomtatah Facebook- Not Found Homepage- Celebsworlds |
Career and Activism
Omtatah began his career as an engineer at the Kenya Railways Corporation, where he worked for 10 years. He also served as the secretary-general of the Kenya Railways Workers Union, where he advocated for the rights and welfare of the workers. He resigned from his job in 1998 and joined the civil society movement, where he became a vocal and fearless human rights defender.
Omtatah has been involved in numerous campaigns and lawsuits against the government and other institutions over issues such as corruption, electoral justice, constitutionalism, land rights, social justice, and environmental protection. He has also challenged the appointments and removals of public officials, the enactment and implementation of laws and policies, and the allocation and expenditure of public funds.
Some of the notable cases that Omtatah has filed or participated in include:
- The petition against the 2017 presidential election results, led to the nullification of the first poll by the Supreme Court and the ordering of a fresh election.
- The petition against the closure of the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, which host hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia, South Sudan, and other countries. Omtatah argued that the government’s decision violated the rights of the refugees and contravened international law.
- The petition against the inclusion of former President Jomo Kenyatta’s portrait on the new currency notes, which he claimed breached the constitutional provision that prohibits the use of a person’s portrait on currency. The High Court dismissed the case, ruling that the portrait was part of the coat of arms and not a personification of Kenyatta.
- The petition against the 2022/2023 financial bill, which he claimed contained unconstitutional and illegal provisions, such as the introduction of new taxes, the increase of the debt ceiling, and the reduction of the counties’ revenue share.
- The petition against the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which was a political project initiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to amend the constitution and address various national issues. Omtatah argued that the BBI process was unconstitutional, illegal, and fraudulent, and sought to stop the proposed referendum. The High Court agreed with him and declared the BBI null and void, a decision that was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Omtatah has also faced various challenges and risks in his activism, such as threats, harassment, intimidation, arrest, and detention. He has been accused of being a busybody, a nuisance, and a tool of foreign interests by his critics, who claim that he files frivolous and malicious cases to derail the government’s agenda and seek publicity. He has also been sued for defamation and contempt of court by some of the respondents in his cases.
However, Omtatah has maintained that he is motivated by patriotism, justice, and the public interest and that he does not seek any personal gain or fame from his actions. He has also received support and recognition from various local and international organizations, such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, and Transparency International, for his courage and dedication to human rights and democracy.
Political Career
In 2022, Omtatah decided to venture into politics and contested for the Busia county senatorial seat in the general elections. He ran on the ticket of the National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA), a small and new political party that he founded and registered. He faced stiff competition from candidates from the major parties, such as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Omtatah campaigned on a platform of fighting corruption, promoting development, and empowering the people of Busia. He also pledged to continue his activism and advocacy in the Senate and to hold the government accountable. He surprised many by winning the election with 62,345 votes, beating his closest rival, Hillary Itela of ODM, who garnered 59,276 votes.
Omtatah attributed his victory to the people’s desire for change and their appreciation of his track record and vision. He thanked his supporters and vowed to serve them diligently and faithfully. He also said that he would work with other leaders and parties to advance the interests of Busia and the country at large.
Height, Weight
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches
- Weight: 78 kg
- Eye color: Black
- Body measurements: Unknown
- Skin color: Black
- Hair color: Black
- Shoe size: Unknown
Okiya Omtatah Marriage Life
Omtatah is married and has five children, four daughters and one son. His eldest daughter, Maryann Marisyanna Annuarite, died of malaria in 2018 at the age of 22. He is a devout Catholic and a member of the Legion of Mary, a lay association that engages in charitable and spiritual activities.
Tribe
Omtatah is of the Luhya ethnic group, which is the second-largest in Kenya after the Kikuyu. He hails from the Teso sub-tribe, which is mainly found in Busia and Trans-Nzoia counties. He speaks fluent English, Kiswahili, and Teso, and can also communicate in Luo and Kikuyu.
Omtatah’s Legacy and Contribution to Kenya
Omtatah is undoubtedly one of the most influential and controversial figures in Kenya’s history. He has made a lasting impression and contribution to the country’s development and democracy. He has been a voice and a champion for the voiceless and the oppressed. He has been a watchdog and a check on the government and the public institutions. He has been a catalyst and a driver for change and reform. He has been a leader and a role model for many Kenyans who aspire to make a difference in the society.
Omtatah’s legacy and contribution to Kenya can be summed up by his own words, which he often uses to sign off his petitions and letters: “In the public interest, and without fear, favour, ill-will or affection.”
Net Worth
| Year | Net worth (in Ksh) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 20 million |
| 2022 | 22 million |
| 2023 | 25 million |
