Twist as CBK Endorses Omtatah’s Odious Debt Petition, Seeks Multi-Judge Bench
Busia Senator and presidential aspirant Okiya Omtatah has announced that the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has formally endorsed his petition challenging Kenya’s alleged odious debt and financial mismanagement. The development, revealed in court filings, marks a significant escalation in the legal battle over unconstitutional borrowing and misuse of public funds.
In a statement on Wednesday, Senator Omtatah disclosed that the CBK, through Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge, supported his petition’s demand for a multi-judge bench under Article 165(4) of Kenya’s Constitution. The petition, which accuses the government of illegal debt accumulation and Eurobond proceeds mismanagement, has been stalled in court since 2015.
Court documents shared by Omtatah confirm the CBK’s stance that the petition raises “substantial constitutional questions” requiring judicial intervention. The bank backed the senator’s request for an uneven-numbered bench to hear the case on 11 grounds, including allegations of fiscal abuse and violations of the Public Finance Management Act.
“This is a monumental step for accountability and economic liberation,” Omtatah stated, emphasizing the need to address Kenya’s $80 billion public debt. The petition alleges that Eurobond funds were diverted to offshore accounts instead of the Consolidated Fund, bypassing parliamentary oversight.
The case, initially filed in 2015 during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, faced repeated delays due to procedural objections. On April 24, 2025, Omtatah withdrew and refiled the petition to circumvent technical hurdles.
“We withdrew tactically to avoid a cascading disaster of legal technicalities,” he explained, vowing to pursue the matter vigorously. The refiled petition seeks clarity on Eurobond utilization and demands accountability from past and present administrations.
The CBK’s endorsement adds weight to Omtatah’s campaign against debt opacity, aligning with growing public discontent over Kenya’s fiscal policies. Legal experts suggest the case could set a precedent for challenging illegitimate debts if the court rules in the petitioners’ favor.
The matter is expected to proceed before a multi-judge bench in the coming weeks, with hearings likely to scrutinize Kenya’s borrowing mechanisms and financial transparency.
As Kenya grapples with mounting debt and austerity measures, Omtatah’s petition—now bolstered by CBK support—could redefine fiscal accountability. The outcome may influence 2027 election debates and reshape public finance governance.
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Twist as CBK Endorses Omtatah’s Odious Debt Petition, Seeks Multi-Judge Bench