Senator Omtatah sues Uhuru, Ruto over trillions in public debt
In his suit, Omtatah wants former National Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u, Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, and Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu to be held responsible for the borrowing.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has filed a petition seeking legal accountability from former President Uhuru Kenyatta and top officials in his administration over the massive debts accumulated during his tenure.
The petition also questions the legitimacy of loans taken under President William Ruto’s government, which amount to Sh2.2 trillion.
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In his suit, Omtatah wants former National Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u, Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, and Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu to be held responsible for the borrowing.
The petitioners, including Omtatah and eight others, argue that Sh4.6 trillion taken during the Kenyatta era, including Eurobond funds, were acquired without proper oversight and amounted to “odious” debt.
They accuse the former regime of bypassing constitutional procedures.
“By illegally placing the Eurobond funds into an offshore account instead of the Consolidated Fund, the government exposed the money to misuse. The petitioners believe this was done with improper or corrupt motives, without consideration for the public interest,” said the petitioners.
The affidavit claims that the loans violated both the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act, as the government allegedly borrowed heavily from local and foreign sources without parliamentary approval.
Senator Omtatah says the Eurobond funds were spent without being authorised under the Appropriation Act, contrary to Articles 222, 223 and 228 of the Constitution.
The petition further notes that Kenya’s debt increased from Sh2.37 trillion in 2014 to Sh8.57 trillion by the end of Mr Kenyatta’s presidency, calling for action under Article 226(5) of the Constitution.
Omtatah and the petitioners want the court to hold those responsible accountable for placing a heavy debt burden on Kenyans.
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