Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised serious concerns about the safety and design of the newly constructed Bunge Tower, warning that it poses significant risks to lawmakers in the event of a medical emergency.
Speaking during a Senate debate on Tuesday, Omtatah revealed that the Sh9 billion building lacks critical emergency infrastructure, including lifts that can accommodate stretchers and an emergency department. The Bunge Tower, a project by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), was intended to offer ample office space for both Senate and National Assembly members. However, Omtatah argued that the architectural flaws compromise the safety of those it was meant to serve.
“I just learned that we are sitting ducks,” the senator lamented. “There is no emergency department in either House. Even basic first aid kits are missing, and we depend on St John Ambulance for interventions.”
He cited a medical emergency that occurred earlier in the day on the first floor of the Senate as a wake-up call. “We were only lucky it happened on the first floor. Imagine if it had occurred at the top of that tower how would the person have been evacuated?” he questioned, adding that the lifts in the tower are too narrow to accommodate a stretcher.
The senator called for accountability, sharply criticizing the design and construction of the building. “Whoever designed this building needs to be arrested and locked away,” Omtatah said. He also cited smaller inconveniences, such as carpets detaching and soiling shoes, as signs of poor workmanship.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi acknowledged the gravity of Omtatah’s concerns but advised him to defer the discussion to a more appropriate time. “I will give you an opportunity later to ventilate on the very important matter you are raising,” Kingi said.
This is not the first time Bunge Tower’s safety has come under scrutiny. On June 25, 2024, MPs were forced to take refuge in the building’s basement parking after angry Gen Z protesters stormed Parliament in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024—a bill later withdrawn by President William Ruto.
As Parliament resumes its business, the safety of lawmakers remains a topic requiring urgent action.
