Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has been suspended from the Senate for three consecutive sitting days after refusing to withdraw a remark describing President William Ruto’s roadside declarations as “yapping.”
The incident sparked a heated exchange between Omtatah and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi during Thursday’s, September 10, 2026, sitting.
The Speaker ruled that the word was unparliamentary and directed the senator to withdraw it and use more appropriate language. Omtatah, however, stood by his choice of words.
Why Was Okiya Omtatah Suspended?
The confrontation began after Omtatah referred to President Ruto’s roadside declarations as “yapping.” Speaker Kingi ordered the Busia Senator to withdraw the remark.
Omtatah declined, arguing that the term was permissible within Westminster parliamentary tradition. He maintained that he had used the word deliberately to describe the nature of the President’s public communication.
Kingi rejected that argument. The Speaker reminded Omtatah that the Kenyan Parliament operates under its own Standing Orders.
Omtatah Refuses to Withdraw Remark
The exchange escalated as Omtatah continued defending his statement. The Speaker eventually cut off his microphone as the disagreement continued. Omtatah was later escorted out of the Senate chamber.
Speaker Kingi then formally suspended him for three sitting days. The Speaker also warned that if the senator had to be physically removed by the Sergeant-at-Arms, the punishment could have been extended significantly.
Senators React to Omtatah Suspension
The suspension immediately divided opinion among senators. Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale questioned the disciplinary action.
He argued that senators should be able to express their opinions within the House. Meanwhile, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang urged the Speaker to reconsider the suspension.
Kajwang raised concerns that suspending Omtatah would temporarily leave Busia County without its elected senator during parliamentary proceedings.
Speaker Kingi, however, maintained that parliamentary rules must be respected. He argued that Standing Orders exist to maintain order and decorum within the House.
What Happens to Omtatah Now?
Omtatah will remain barred from participating in Senate proceedings for three consecutive sitting days under the Speaker’s ruling.
The incident has also reignited debate over the balance between freedom of expression and parliamentary discipline.
It has raised another question among Kenyans: how far can lawmakers go when criticising the President inside Parliament?
What the Omtatah Suspension Means
The incident highlights why parliamentary language and procedure matter. Although senators enjoy protection for statements they make in the House, they must still follow Parliament’s Standing Orders.
Therefore, when a member breaches parliamentary rules, the Speaker can intervene and take action to restore order.
For Omtatah, however, the dispute went beyond the use of the word “yapping.” Instead, it raised wider questions about freedom of expression, parliamentary language and the limits of the Speaker’s authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Okiya Omtatah suspended?
- Omtatah was suspended after refusing to withdraw his description of President William Ruto’s roadside declarations as “yapping,” which Speaker Amason Kingi ruled was unparliamentary.
How long was Omtatah suspended for?
- The Busia Senator was suspended for three consecutive sitting days.
Who is Okiya Omtatah?
- Okiya Omtatah is the Senator representing Busia County in the Kenyan Senate.
Who is the Speaker of the Kenyan Senate?
- The Speaker of the Senate is Amason Kingi.
What caused the confrontation between Omtatah and Kingi?
- The dispute centred on Omtatah’s use of the word “yapping” to describe President Ruto’s roadside declarations and his refusal to withdraw the remark after the Speaker ordered him to do so.
