Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have been reassigned from two of the Senate's most influential oversight committees following a reshuffle linked to internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Committee Changes Approved

On July 29, 2026, the Senate approved the removal of Sifuna from the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), moving him to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. Osotsi was taken off the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPISFC) and reassigned to the Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration.

Significance of the Committees

Both CPAC and CPISFC play critical roles in scrutinising county expenditures, holding governors accountable, and overseeing billions of shillings in public funds. They review Auditor-General reports, summon county officials, and recommend actions that can lead to investigations by anti-corruption agencies.

New Committee Members

  • Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) replaced Sifuna on CPAC.
  • Joseph Githuku joined CPAC under Chair Moses Kajwang’.
  • Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta) took over Osotsi’s seat on CPISFC.
  • Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian also joined CPISFC.

Political Context and Reactions

The reshuffle follows growing tensions within ODM, particularly targeting members aligned with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has criticised ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Sifuna, recently removed as Senate Minority Whip, acknowledged he anticipated the changes, describing them as politically motivated but downplaying the reassignment as an opportunity to gain expertise in agriculture and fisheries.

Osotsi condemned the move as a "political witch-hunt" orchestrated by ODM leadership figures, asserting his committee had enhanced oversight on county spending and accusing the party of targeting dissenters.

Implications

The shake-up is seen by some as a political purge aimed at sidelining ODM members opposing the party’s collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza government, while others view it as part of routine parliamentary reorganisation. The changes are likely to intensify debate over ODM’s internal cohesion and strategy.