Okiya Omtatah Asserts Kenya Has Cleared Its Debts, Faults Treasury on Transparency
NAIROBI, Kenya – April 20, 2025:
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has once again stirred national conversation with a bold statement dismissing the existence of Kenya’s public debt. Speaking at a Bunge la Wananchi session on Saturday, the vocal legislator declared that the nation has no outstanding debt, raising eyebrows just days after filing a lawsuit targeting President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“I repeat: Kenya does not owe a single coin in debt,” Omtatah told the gathering. “We want the truth about this so-called debt. Who borrowed it, for what, and under what authority?”
The senator’s comments come amid growing public concern over Kenya’s debt sustainability and the increasing burden on taxpayers.
Debt-Free Kenya? Omtatah Demands Clarity on Trillions in Alleged Loans
Omtatah didn’t stop at verbal remarks. He linked his claims to an alleged constitutional violation in 2014, accusing the Treasury of illegally amending the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act without involving the Senate, as required by Article 110 of the Constitution.
According to the lawmaker, this alteration enabled Treasury officials to enter into foreign loan agreements and open offshore accounts without parliamentary scrutiny—fueling what he termed as a “phantom debt crisis.”
“This is not just a numbers game. It’s a matter of national sovereignty and transparency,” he insisted.
Omtatah’s recent petition filed at the High Court not only challenges the legitimacy of Kenya’s debt portfolio but also urges the judiciary to bar citizens from being forced to repay what he believes are unconstitutional obligations.
Contradicting Voices: Treasury and Parliament React
While Omtatah continues to argue that Kenya’s debt narrative is a façade, the Treasury maintains a different stance. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has publicly stated that Kenya’s public debt currently stands at Ksh11 trillion, though manageable.
“We’re implementing strategies to lower our debt-to-GDP ratio to 52.8% by 2027/28,” Mbadi said, defending the government’s fiscal responsibility.
Similarly, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro warned of a looming debt crisis, suggesting Kenya was nearing default—a view that sparked a rebuttal from the Treasury. Mbadi called such statements “reckless,” insisting the government has no intention of reneging on its obligations and projects Kenya to be debt-free by 2032.
Accountability and the Bigger Picture
Omtatah’s stance is rooted in his broader campaign for financial transparency and governance reform. His 22-page petition accuses the executive branch of exploiting legal loopholes and bypassing oversight institutions to plunge the country into unnecessary financial burdens.
“This is about protecting future generations. If loans were taken unconstitutionally, they should not bind the public,” he said.
His claims, though controversial, underscore the wider public demand for clarity in government borrowing and expenditure. As his petition awaits hearing, Omtatah’s comments continue to provoke both support and skepticism across the political divide.
