Omtatah Sues Uhuru, Ruto Over Sh6.8 Trillion in Alleged Odious Debts

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, joined by eight other petitioners, has filed a High Court lawsuit against former President Uhuru Kenyatta, President William Ruto, and several officials, including former Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u, Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, and Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, over alleged "odious" debts totaling Sh6.8 trillion.

The lawsuit claims these debts, comprising Sh4.6 trillion from Uhuru’s tenure (2014/15–2021/22) and Sh2.2 trillion under Ruto, were acquired unconstitutionally, without parliamentary approval, and often deposited into offshore accounts or spent without proper appropriation. The petitioners argue that these loans, including Eurobonds, were used for non-existent projects or personal gain, violating constitutional provisions and the Public Finance Management Act. They seek to declare the loans fraudulent, hold the defendants personally liable, and demand compensation for public losses.

With Kenya’s public debt exceeding Sh11.5 trillion and annual repayments straining finances, the case highlights concerns about fiscal transparency and accountability, potentially setting a precedent for addressing illegitimate borrowing.