Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has lost her seat on the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing, a move she described as a setback to her advocacy for persons with disabilities.

Asige highlighted that the committee was a critical platform for promoting inclusive transport, sustainable urban development, and accessibility for over eight million Kenyans living with disabilities, in line with the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.

Despite her removal, she affirmed her commitment to continue championing disability inclusion across all forums. "I come to this House diligently to do my job, to execute the business of those I was brought here to represent, and I do it well even with a disability," she said. She added, "If this is punishment by the leadership, so be it, but one thing that people ought to know is that God has a knack for turning a bad situation into a glorious occasion."

Wider ODM Reshuffle

Asige's removal is part of a broader shake-up within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has seen several prominent lawmakers lose influential party and parliamentary positions amid escalating internal tensions.

The reshuffle follows disputes over ODM's cooperation with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration and the rise of the Linda Mwananchi faction within the party.

Notable changes include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna losing his roles as ODM Secretary-General, Deputy Senate Minority Whip, and membership of key Senate committees. He was reassigned to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and removed from the Senate Energy Committee chaired by acting ODM leader Oburu Oginga.

Similarly, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was removed as ODM Deputy Party Leader and stripped of his chairmanship of the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee. Both Sifuna and Osotsi's removals have been linked to their association with the Linda Mwananchi faction, though the party has not formally confirmed this.

Public Reaction

The reshuffle has sparked debate among Kenyans, with some viewing it as sidelining experienced and outspoken leaders based on political alignments. One social media user commented, "Punishing competence has become a feature of both ODM and UDA."