The incident occurred when chaos erupted during a public participation session on the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In a statement issued on October 5, 2024, Omtatah condemned the violence, calling it a serious threat to democracy.
Senator Omtatah expressed that acts of aggression, like the one witnessed at Bomas, have no place in a democratic society.
"Such acts of aggression have no place in a society that values free speech, open dialogue, and peaceful assembly," he said.
Omtatah stressed that violence against individuals simply expressing their opinions weakens the core principles of democracy. He added that such attacks instill fear and discourage people from participating in important national discussions.
Omtatah called on law enforcement agencies to take swift action and open an investigation into the attack on Kebaso. He urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and face legal consequences.
The senator also insisted that security measures be put in place to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
"It is essential that we protect the rights of every citizen to share their views without fear of harm or intimidation. The law enforcement agencies should thoroughly investigate this matter, hold the perpetrators accountable, and put in place stronger measures to ensure such attacks do not happen again," Omtatah urged.
In his statement, Omtatah also called on Kenyans to engage in peaceful dialogue, stressing that violence is not the answer to disagreements. He encouraged the public to embrace respectful conversations and to rise above hostility to create positive change in the country.
Omtatah highlighted that only through robust and respectful debate can the pressing issues facing the nation be effectively addressed.
"Let us unite to create an environment where everyone feels safe to participate in the democratic process. The right to express different opinions is essential for our progress as a society, and we must defend it firmly," he concluded.
The attack on Kebaso involved chairs being thrown at him, forcing his security team to quickly intervene and escort him to safety. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public participation forums in the country.
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