By REUBEN OLITA
June 8, 2026| The Busia County Senate Oversight Manager has pushed back against critics who accuse Senator Okiya Omtatah (pictured) of sabotaging development projects, arguing that the legislator’s frequent court actions target corruption—not progress.
Speaking at a fundraiser for the Uganda Martyrs Amagoro Sub-Parish Catholic Church, where Omtatah was expected as chief guest, Baker Samuel (inset) offered a robust defense of the senator’s record.
“I oversee all oversight work in this county, and I want to set the record straight,” Baker said. “There is no single project that Omtatah has stopped at national or county level. What he has stopped is the corruption associated with those projects.”
A History of Public Interest Litigation
Omtatah, known for his relentless public interest litigation, has taken on everything from unconstitutional appointments to opaque government contracts. His legal challenges have often drawn accusations of obstruction—but Baker insisted those claims are misleading.
He pointed to the proposed Affordable Housing units and a stadium at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) in Busia as a prime example. The senator went to court, critics cried foul. But according to Baker, Omtatah’s concern was protecting public land, not blocking development.
“There is alternative government land near Korinda Prison and the Busia weighbridge,” Baker said. “When Omtatah goes to court, people say he is against affordable housing and stadiums. No. There is something they are hiding in those projects.”
Trailers, Stadiums, and Missing Contracts
Baker also raised concerns over the management of trailer parks in Busia and Malaba, alleging opaque contract awards and a lack of public participation. He claimed key contract documents were missing, and that the county stood to lose significant revenue.
He credited Omtatah with helping stop the alleged grabbing of public facilities, including Busia Vocational Training Centre and Busia Stadium.
On the senator’s legal action against the Busia County Government over the renovation of the governor’s official residence, Baker said the case was not an attack on Governor Paul Otuoma.
“We simply asked for documents and Bills of Quantities so that oversight can be done effectively,” he said.
Beyond Busia: A Voice on Debt and Development Funds
Baker further praised Omtatah’s broader anti-corruption advocacy, noting it has gained attention beyond Kenya—particularly his stance on public debt accountability.
He also defended Omtatah’s opposition to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), explaining that the senator favors a fairer system for distributing bursaries and development funds.
“The current arrangement allows politicians to use bursaries as political tools,” Baker said. “Omtatah wants all bursary funds pooled together and distributed based on need, not political influence.”
Senator Under Scrutiny
Omtatah’s oversight role has become a flashpoint in Busia’s political landscape, with speculation mounting over future contests in the county. But for Baker, the senator’s legacy is clear: holding power accountable, not halting progress.
“We are not fighting the governor,” Baker said. “We are fighting for transparency.”