Okiya Omtatah Biography, Age, Education, Religion, Net Worth, Parents, Wife, Children, Achievements.
Okiya Omtatah Biography
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti is a prominent Kenyan human rights activist, engineer, and politician. Here are the key details about his life and career:
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Early Life and Education
- Date of Birth: November 30, 1964
- Place of Birth: Busia County, Kenya
- Ethnicity: Luhya
Okiya Omtatah began his education at St. Paul’s Secondary School for forms one and two before transferring to St. Peters School in Mukumu for forms three and four. He excelled in his O-level exams and continued his high school education at the same school, completing it in 1983.
Higher Education
Omtatah was initially admitted to the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce but chose to pursue a Diploma in Philosophy at St. Augustine in Mabanga, Bungoma. His passion for engineering led him to Kenya Polytechnic, where he earned a diploma in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering.
Career and Activism
Okiya Omtatah is well-known for his relentless activism. He has been at the forefront of challenging unconstitutional decisions in Kenyan courts, having sued over a thousand individuals and made numerous court appearances. His activism began during his school years, where he often voiced concerns to teachers on behalf of his peers.
Political Career
In the 2022 general elections, Omtatah was elected as the Senator for Busia County, running on the National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) ticket. He defeated ODM’s Hillary Itela, garnering 59,276 votes. As a senator, he continues to advocate for human rights and constitutionalism.
Personal Life and Health
Omtatah’s journey to priesthood was cut short due to a brain injury that led to epilepsy, a condition that forced him to abandon his religious training. He was diagnosed with grand mal epilepsy, a permanent condition. Despite these challenges, he has remained a dedicated public servant and activist.
Family
Okiya Omtatah has four elder sisters and is the only son in his family. He grew up in Teso South and was baptized in the Catholic Church of Kenya. Tragically, his daughter, Maryann Marisyanna Annuarite, passed away from acute malaria on April 17, 2020.
Net Worth
Okiya Omtatah is known for his frugality, saving most of his Ksh1 million per month salary.
Future Aspirations
In November 2024, Omtatah announced his consideration to run for the presidency, challenging the incumbent President William Ruto.
Okiya Omtatah’s life is a testament to resilience and dedication to public service. His contributions to human rights and governance in Kenya continue to inspire many.
Okiya Omtatah Age
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti was born on November 30, 1964. As of today, January 2, 2025, he is 60 years old.
Okiya Omtatah Education
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti has a diverse educational background that reflects his varied interests and dedication to learning. Here are the details:
Early Education
- Secondary School: Okiya Omtatah began his secondary education at St. Paul’s Secondary School for forms one and two. In 1981, he transferred to St. Peters School in Mukumu for forms three and four. He excelled in his O-level exams and continued his high school education at the same school, completing it in 1983.
Higher Education
- University of Nairobi: Omtatah was initially admitted to the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. However, he chose not to pursue this path.
- St. Augustine in Mabanga, Bungoma: Instead, he enrolled at St. Augustine to pursue a Diploma in Philosophy. His time here was cut short due to a brain injury that led to epilepsy.
- Kenya Polytechnic: Driven by his passion for engineering, Omtatah later joined Kenya Polytechnic, where he earned a Diploma in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering.
Okiya Omtatah’s educational journey is marked by his resilience and adaptability, overcoming significant health challenges to pursue his interests and make substantial contributions to society.
Okiya Omtatah Religion
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti has a diverse and interesting educational background. Here are the full details:
Early Education
- Secondary School: Okiya Omtatah began his secondary education at St. Paul’s Secondary School for forms one and two. In 1981, he transferred to St. Peters School in Mukumu for forms three and four. He excelled in his O-level exams and continued his high school education at the same school, completing it in 1983.
Higher Education
- University of Nairobi: Omtatah was initially admitted to the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. However, he chose not to pursue this path.
- St. Augustine in Mabanga, Bungoma: Instead, he enrolled at St. Augustine to pursue a Diploma in Philosophy. His time here was cut short due to a brain injury that led to epilepsy.
- Kenya Polytechnic: Driven by his passion for engineering, Omtatah later joined Kenya Polytechnic, where he earned a Diploma in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering.
Okiya Omtatah’s educational journey is marked by his resilience and adaptability, overcoming significant health challenges to pursue his interests and make substantial contributions to society.
Okiya Omtatah Net Worth
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti is known for his frugality and modest lifestyle. While exact figures of his net worth are not publicly disclosed, here are some details that provide insight into his financial status:
Salary and Savings
- Monthly Salary: As a Senator, Okiya Omtatah earns a monthly salary of approximately Ksh1 million (around USD 9,000).
- Savings: Omtatah is known for saving a significant portion of his salary, reflecting his frugal nature.
Assets and Investments
- Real Estate: There is limited public information about his real estate holdings or other significant investments.
- Public Service: Much of Omtatah’s financial resources are likely directed towards his activism and public service efforts, rather than personal wealth accumulation.
Financial Philosophy
- Frugality: Omtatah’s lifestyle and financial management are characterized by simplicity and prudence. He is not known for extravagant spending or luxurious living.
While specific details about his net worth are not available, Okiya Omtatah’s financial approach emphasizes saving and responsible management of his earnings.
Okiya Omtatah Parents
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti was born into a caring family in Busia County, Kenya. Here are the details about his parents:
Parents
- Father: Okiya Omtatah’s father was a respected member of the Luhya community. Unfortunately, specific details about his father’s name and occupation are not widely documented.
- Mother: Similarly, his mother’s name and occupation are not extensively covered in public records. However, she played a significant role in raising Okiya and his siblings.
Family Background
- Siblings: Okiya Omtatah is the only son in his family and has four elder sisters. He grew up in a supportive environment that valued education and community service.
Okiya Omtatah’s upbringing in a close-knit family has greatly influenced his values and commitment to public service.
Okiya Omtatah Wife
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti is married to Emma Mbura Omtatah. Here are some details about her:
Personal Life
- Name: Emma Mbura Omtatah
- Role: She is known for being supportive of her husband’s activism and political career. Emma has been a steadfast partner, standing by Okiya through his numerous legal battles and public service endeavors.
Public Appearances
- Political Support: Emma Mbura Omtatah has publicly supported her husband’s political ambitions. In November 2024, she confirmed Okiya Omtatah’s intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Family Life
- Children: The couple has four children. Tragically, their third-born daughter, Maryann Marisyanna Annuarite, passed away from acute malaria on April 17, 2020.
Emma Mbura Omtatah’s support has been crucial in Okiya Omtatah’s journey as an activist and politician, providing a strong foundation for his public service.
Okiya Omtatah Children’s
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti and his wife, Emma Mbura Omtatah, have four children. Here are the details:
Children
- First Child: The name and specific details about Okiya Omtatah’s first child are not widely documented.
- Second Child: Similarly, there is limited public information about the second child.
- Maryann Marisyanna Annuarite: She was the third-born child. Maryann was a student at Riara University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in diplomacy and international relations. Tragically, she passed away on April 17, 2020, due to acute malaria after being in a coma for a week.
- Fourth Child: Details about the fourth child are also not extensively covered in public records.
Okiya Omtatah’s family has faced significant challenges, including the loss of their beloved daughter, Maryann. Despite these hardships, they continue to support each other and remain committed to their values and public service.
Okiya Omtatah Achievements
Okiya Omtatah Okoiti has made significant contributions to Kenyan society through his activism, legal battles, and political career. Here are the detailed achievements of his life:
Activism and Legal Battles
- Human Rights Advocacy: Omtatah is renowned for his relentless fight for human rights and constitutionalism in Kenya. He has filed numerous lawsuits challenging unconstitutional decisions and actions by the government and other entities.
- Landmark Cases: He has been involved in several high-profile cases, including challenging the appointment of public officials, the implementation of government policies, and the misuse of public funds. His legal battles have often led to significant changes in governance and policy.
- Public Interest Litigation: Omtatah’s dedication to public interest litigation has earned him a reputation as a defender of the common citizen. He has taken on cases that many others would shy away from, often at great personal risk.
Political Career
- Senator for Busia County: In the 2022 general elections, Omtatah was elected as the Senator for Busia County. Running on the National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) ticket, he defeated ODM’s Hillary Itela with 59,276 votes.
- Legislative Contributions: As a senator, Omtatah has been active in legislative processes, advocating for laws and policies that protect human rights and promote good governance.
- Presidential Aspirations: In November 2024, Omtatah announced his consideration to run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, challenging the incumbent President William Ruto.
Awards and Recognition
- Recognition for Activism: Omtatah has received various accolades for his unwavering commitment to human rights and justice. His work has been recognized both locally and internationally.
- Public Service Awards: He has been honored with awards for his contributions to public service and his efforts to uphold the rule of law in Kenya.
Personal Resilience
- Overcoming Health Challenges: Despite being diagnosed with grand mal epilepsy, Omtatah has continued his activism and public service. His resilience in the face of personal health challenges is a testament to his dedication and strength.
- Family Support: Omtatah’s family, particularly his wife Emma Mbura Omtatah, has been a pillar of support throughout his journey. Their support has been crucial in his ability to continue his work despite numerous challenges.
Okiya Omtatah’s achievements reflect his unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and good governance. His contributions have had a lasting impact on Kenyan society, inspiring many to stand up for their rights and the rule of law.