Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has weighed in on the current economic situation burdening millions of Kenyans countrywide.

In a lengthy statement shared via his official X account on Saturday February 1, 2025, Omtatah expressed concern over the country’s debt situation which has continued to affect citizens for decades. 

He wondered why the loans taken for national development have continuously been used to enrich a few corrupt individuals at the expense of hardworking citizens. 

“Today, Kenyans continue to suffer from economic hardship, high taxation, and dwindling public resources, all in the name of repaying debts that never served their interests.  

“It is time we ask: Why should the citizens of Kenya (The sovereign) bear the burden of repaying loans that were never intended to benefit them? Why should those who facilitated these loans, only to siphon public funds into their private offshore accounts; walk free while the people struggle under oppressive economic conditions?” he posed. 

The vocal senator noted that its time Kenyans question the role of international financial institutions including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank as they have continued to issue the loans despite evidence of mismanagement and corruption. 

For decades, the Kenyan people have been burdened by odious debts incurred by past regimes under questionable, and often despotic, circumstances. These loans, ostensibly taken for national development have instead been used to enrich a few corrupt individuals at the expense of…

— Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) February 1, 2025

“These institutions cannot feign ignorance. Wire transfers leave digital trails. The looted money was laundered into known tax havens, and global intelligence agencies were fully aware of these transactions. Yet, loans were granted without due diligence, largely for political and financial gain, and often in direct violation of Kenya’s constitutional and legal requirements,” Omtatah added. 

He went on to take a swipe at the previous regimes accusing them of failing to follow the appropriate procedure of parliamentary approval for external loans, indenting  the country without transparency and accountability. 

Further, Omtatah called on all Kenyans, civil society organizations and international partners to join hand and fight the vice of corruption to secure the country’s future. 

“This matter is not just about past injustices, it is about securing Kenya’s future. We will not allow future generations to be enslaved by debt accumulated through corruption and impunity. The looters must return what they took, and those who enabled these financial crimes must be held accountable.”