Also known as: Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah · Senator Okiya Omtatah
Busia Senator who has challenged the Kenya-US health cooperation framework and petitioned for removal of Court of Appeal judges over their handling of related cases.
Senator Okiya Omtatah has petitioned the Judicial Service Commission to remove three Court of Appeal judges—Luka Kimaru, Sila Munyao, and Johnson Ogolla—for lifting High Court orders that had suspended a Kenya-US health cooperation deal worth Sh208 million and blocked sharing of Kenya's health data with the United States.
Why it matters
Senator Omtatah's formal petition to remove three Court of Appeal judges over the Kenya-US health deal represents a significant escalation in judicial accountability debate.
Senator Okiya Omtatah has petitioned the Judicial Service Commission to remove three Court of Appeal judges—Luka Kimaru, Sila Munyao, and Johnson Ogolla—for lifting High Court orders that had suspended a Kenya-US health cooperation deal worth Sh208 million and blocked sharing of Kenya's health data with the United States.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has petitioned the Judicial Service Commission to investigate three Court of Appeal judges who suspended High Court orders on the Kenya-US Health Cooperation Framework but withheld reasons for their decision until October 2026. Omtatah argues the delayed reasoning undermines access to justice and frustrated timely appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Environment and Land Court has halted construction of the Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Lang'ata, citing lack of meaningful public participation and failure to comply with mandatory environmental safeguards.
An opinion piece argues the Court of Appeal deserves criticism for suspending the High Court order blocking implementation of the Kenya-US health cooperation framework, saying the decision weakens constitutional litigation by allowing the State to create "facts on the ground" before courts pronounce judgment.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has filed documents in the High Court arguing that last year's health partnership with the Trump administration is tilted in favour of the US and includes far-reaching commitments made without parliamentary approval, public participation, or consultation with county governments.
Two people died during violent confrontations after a crowd of nearly 200 youths stormed a Busia police station following the arrest of a suspect linked to destruction of a police vehicle, Busia County Police Commander Ahmed Abdilleh confirmed. The group allegedly attempted to loot businesses and vandalized public infrastructure including buildings belonging to the Kenya Medical Training College and county government offices.
Kenya's Court of Appeal temporarily suspended High Court orders that had blocked a Kenya–US health cooperation framework, allowing the government to proceed pending determination of an ongoing appeal, with final ruling reserved for October 30, 2026.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has accused the government of looting public resources, illegal debt accumulation, and constitutional betrayal, citing a pattern of governance failures repeated by leaders who use political distractions to avoid accountability.
An exploratory committee collecting public views on Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah's potential presidential candidacy will complete its report by the end of June, after holding forums across 43 counties including President Ruto's home county of Uasin Gishu. The committee's findings will determine whether Omtatah will run against President Ruto in next year's election.
The High Court declined the Consumer Federation of Kenya's application to withdraw a constitutional petition challenging the Health Data Sharing Agreement between Kenya and the United States, ruling that public interest litigation cannot be terminated by private consent where unresolved constitutional questions remain. The petition raises concerns over the right to privacy, data protection, and lack of adequate public participation.
The High Court has declined to withdraw a constitutional petition challenging the Health Data Sharing Agreement between Kenya and the United States, ruling that public interest litigation cannot be terminated through private consent where constitutional issues remain unresolved. The petition questions the constitutionality of the health data-sharing deal, with concerns raised over privacy rights, data protection, and public participation.