Gachagua allies, Ruto critics kicked out of Senate committees

Allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, as well as critics of President William Ruto, have been removed from leadership positions and membership of influential Senate committees.

Kenya Kwanza is said to have offered leadership of five crucial committees to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which previously chaired the Senate County Public Accounts Committee and the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee.

Allies of Raila Odinga, including Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, have been elected as chairpersons of these two committees.

The reshuffle is seen as an effort to strengthen the relationship between Ruto and Raila, who have been working together.

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Allies of Gachagua have been removed from crucial committees where they previously held chairmanships, while others have been shifted from more influential and lucrative positions.

Those affected include Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, who had been chairing the Transport Committee, Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, who chaired the Agriculture Committee, and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who was the chair of the Lands Committee.

Also affected are Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who chaired the Education Committee, and Kajiado Senator Lenku Seki, who had been chairing the Trade Committee.

Ruto’s critics, including Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, have also been removed from the membership of influential committees.

Thang’wa, in a post on his X account, acknowledged that the purge had been expected after his decision to align with Gachagua.

“I knew it would happen, I expected it,” said Thang’wa, who has also been removed from the powerful Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, where he had served as a member for the past two years.

Methu has been removed from his position as chairperson of the Land, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, as well as from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee.

The Senate leadership, led by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, Chief Whip Boni Khalwale, and Minority Whip Ledama Olekina, instituted the changes across all 19 committees.

Last year, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua was removed from the Parliamentary Service Commission and replaced by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, a Ruto ally.