Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has weighed in on the controversy surrounding nominated Senator Crystal Asige’s removal from the Senate Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing. Cherargei told Asige to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if she wishes to align herself with the Linda Mwananchi political movement.

Asige had suggested her removal was a form of punishment linked to ongoing committee reshuffles targeting legislators perceived as sympathetic to Linda Mwananchi, a group critical of ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s government.

In a statement posted on his official X account on July 31, 2026, Cherargei emphasized that Asige holds her Senate seat through ODM’s nomination and therefore owes full loyalty to the party and the broad-based government.

  • "You are in the Senate courtesy of ODM Party, who nominated you through affirmative action to represent the ODM Party interests and special interest groups," Cherargei wrote.
  • "If you want to join another political formation like Linda Mwananchi, the democratic discipline is to resign from ODM, which means losing your Senate nomination."
  • He clarified that Asige was only reassigned to another committee, not expelled from ODM.

Asige, who is visually impaired and a noted disability rights advocate, expressed disappointment over her removal from the committee where she had championed disability inclusion and accessible transport. She stated that if the move was punitive, she would accept it but remained optimistic.

This reshuffle is part of wider changes within the Senate affecting several ODM legislators seen as leaning towards Linda Mwananchi, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who were moved from key oversight committees.

The situation has reignited discussions on the role and loyalty of nominated legislators, who under the Constitution and Political Parties Act, represent their parties and the special interest groups for which they were nominated.

Before joining Parliament in 2022, Asige was known for her work as a disability rights advocate, musician, and policy expert. She has been a vocal champion for accessibility, assistive technology, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.