Okiya Omtatah defies legal threats in battle against rice import cartels

Busia Senator and human rights defender Okiya Omtatah has come under sharp legal attack following his exposé on the controversial importation of 500,000 tonnes of duty-free rice, which he claims is being controlled by cartels at the expense of Kenyan farmers.

The backlash came after Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, through his law firm Ahmednasir Abdullahi Advocates LLP, issued a demand letter distancing himself and his client from any involvement in rice imports.

The letter, copied to Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi and Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot stated that Ahmednasir’s client “was never allocated any quota to import rice, never did and does not engage in any business other than property development.”

It dismissed Omtatah’s claims as “false and malicious ab initio” and warned of legal consequences if the remarks were not withdrawn.

Omtatah, a veteran activist known for using the courts to challenge corruption and mismanagement, dismissed the threats, saying his fight is not against individuals but against entrenched cartels undermining Kenya’s food security.

“Parliamentary privilege is not for sale. I will not be gagged for demanding answers on the 500,000 tonnes of duty-free rice imports that threaten Kenyan farmers. Kenya will not kneel to cartels. This is a battle between cartels and Kenyans. I choose Kenyans. If you think threats will work, bring it on. Aluta continua!” he declared defiantly.

His remarks underscore his stance that Parliament must not be used to protect vested interests. Omtatah insists that the matter goes beyond personal accusations, terming it as safeguarding Kenyan farmers in rice-growing regions such as Mwea, where producers continue to face dwindling farm-gate prices even as consumers pay high retail prices.

According to Omtatah, the recent 500,000-tonne duty-free rice allocation threatens to flood the market, destabilize prices and leave farmers without a fair return on their investment.

Consumer watchdogs and analysts have echoed these concerns, warning that unchecked imports distort the market and undermine long-term food security.

Analysts say the letter from Ahmednasir’s law firm, coupled with the move to copy it to the Speaker and Senate leadership, reflects an attempt to elevate the dispute from a legal threat into the political arena potentially exerting pressure on parliamentary processes.

However, critics argue that targeting Omtatah, who has a track record of championing public interest cases, is an attack on whistleblowers and a dangerous precedent that could silence scrutiny of corruption in food imports.

In rice-growing areas such as Mwea, farmers have long complained about exploitation, with middlemen and importers dictating prices. Despite government assurances of food affordability, consumers continue to buy rice at high retail prices, raising questions about who truly benefits from the duty-free importation schemes.