Senator Omtatah raises alarm over Sh9 billion Bunge Tower safety flaws
He cited the lack of basic emergency systems such as a medical department and a stretcher-accessible lift, despite the building’s multi-billion shilling budget and towering structure.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised serious concerns about the safety of lawmakers inside the newly built Bunge Tower, claiming the building’s design flaws pose a major risk in case of emergencies.
He cited the lack of basic emergency systems such as a medical department and a stretcher-accessible lift, despite the building’s multi-billion shilling budget and towering structure.
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Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, Omtatah said a recent emergency incident exposed just how ill-prepared Parliament is to handle crises.
“I want to raise a matter of great concern to the Senate in terms of emergency preparedness. Today, I just learned that we are sitting ducks. Should an emergency happen where you need an intervention from a medic, I just learnt that the Senate does not have an emergency department (in) both Parliaments,” he said.
The Sh9 billion Bunge Tower was developed by the Parliamentary Service Commission to provide ample office space for members of the Senate and National Assembly.
However, Omtatah questioned how such a costly project could overlook such critical features.
“It also occurred to me that Bunge Tower, as high as it is, does not have a lift where a stretcher can fit,” he said.
He noted that the lack of in-house emergency response mechanisms means Parliament depends on external responders such as St John Ambulance to handle medical emergencies. This, he warned, puts the lives of legislators and staff in jeopardy.
Referencing the earlier incident on Tuesday morning when someone had to be carried on a stretcher, he pointed out the fortunate timing.
“We are only lucky that the emergency we had happened on the first floor, so we were able to carry the victim using a stretcher down the staircase. Imagine if it had happened on the top of that building, what would have happened?” he posed.
Omtatah also criticised the general quality of the building’s finish, saying even small issues reflect poor design and oversight. “When I leave my office, I have to go look for a shoeshiner because the carpet gets off and gets on my shoes. It's very sad. Whoever designed this building needs to be arrested and locked away.”
Speaker Amason Kingi acknowledged that the senator had raised a serious issue but advised him to bring it up more fully at a later time. “I will give you an opportunity, maybe later on, to ventilate on the very important matter you are raising,” he said.
The senator was speaking during a debate on proposed amendments to the Coffee Bill. His remarks, though not directly tied to the subject at hand, were prompted by what he witnessed earlier that day.
On June 25, 2024, the building’s ability to support lawmakers in times of crisis was also tested when MPs were forced to hide in the basement parking after protesters stormed Parliament. The demonstrators were angry about the Finance Bill, 2024, which Parliament passed despite widespread calls for its rejection. The incident served as another example of the urgent need for a review of safety measures at Bunge Tower.
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