Okiya Omtatah Reveals Shocking Reason Behind His Chains at Protests!
Okiya Omtatah, a civil rights activist and Senator for Busia County, has explained why he often chains himself during protests. In an interview on January 21, 2025, with digital content creator Oga Obbina, Omtatah shared the reasons behind his unique protest tactic.
He clarified that the purpose of chaining himself is to protect himself from police violence. He also mentioned that the chains help separate him from individuals who may try to cause trouble during protests.
Omtatah explained that the chains serve three main purposes. First, they help isolate him from people who might come into the protests to cause chaos.
Second, when the police try to attack him, the chains make him more visible to cameras, which can act as a deterrent. Third, he said that being chained makes it difficult for the police to drag him away, as the chains make him more resilient to being removed forcibly.
Reflecting on the first time he used this tactic, Omtatah recalled the year 2008, following the violence after the 2007 elections. He chained himself at Vigilance House in Nairobi as a spiritual act, asking God for a safe way to protest.
He said that at the time, he was determined to address the issues facing Kenyans, but press conferences had been banned. His decision to chain himself at the police headquarters was a response to the need to speak out despite the restrictions.
He shared that after praying at the Holy Family Basilica, he received clarity on how to proceed. This led him to break the media ban imposed by then-Minister John Michuki and hold a press conference. Omtatah said that he was able to address both local and international media without being harmed.
Since that moment, Omtatah has consistently used chaining as his method of protest, whether he is alone or with others in demonstrations.
Okiya Omtatah Reveals Shocking Reason Behind His Chains at Protests!
