Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has challenged the County Government of Busia to take him to court over a controversial forensic audit report he commissioned, alleging the loss of Sh5.2 billion in the 2022/2023 financial year.
Omtatah, known for his activism and hard stance on public accountability, insists the report is thorough and backed by compelling evidence. “I challenge them to stop thumping their chests and move to court. The facts speak for themselves,” he said, daring the county to publicly release source documents if they have nothing to hide.
The report, which has ignited a fierce political storm in the county, accuses the county executive of presiding over what Omtatah describes as a “deliberate and orchestrated looting scheme.” He asserts that the Busia County Executive cannot account for the Sh5.2 billion and has dared any legal challenge to prove him wrong.
However, the Busia County Government has dismissed the audit, calling it “legally flawed, institutionally illegitimate, and politically motivated.” In an official statement, the county maintained that only the Auditor General, as mandated by Article 229 of the Constitution, has the authority to audit public finances.
County officials have accused Omtatah of overstepping his constitutional mandate and acting irresponsibly, with the intent to damage the reputation of Governor Paul Otuoma and the entire county administration. “His actions are a deliberate attempt to malign the integrity of Governor Otuoma and tarnish the image of the county government,” the statement read.
The county has demanded a public apology and the immediate withdrawal of the report, threatening to sue the senator for defamation should he fail to comply.
Despite lacking formal authority to conduct audits, Omtatah defends his actions under the broader oversight role of senators. He is now calling on his colleagues to commission similar audits in their respective counties, arguing that such initiatives are crucial for transparency and accountability beyond the traditional mechanisms.
As tensions rise, the confrontation sets the stage for a possible legal showdown between the outspoken senator and the devolved unit.
