Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have been removed from two of the Senate's most powerful oversight committees in a recent reshuffle that critics say targets ODM members opposing the party’s alliance with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Sifuna was dropped from the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) and reassigned to the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee. This follows his removal last week as Senate Deputy Minority Whip. His seat on CPAC was taken by Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, the Senate Minority Leader.

Osotsi lost his role as chair of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPISFC) and was moved to the Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism Committee. Taita Taveta Senator Johannes Mwaruma, previously vice-chair of CPAC, is expected to replace Osotsi as CPISFC chair.

Both senators have been vocal critics of ODM’s cooperation deal with the Kenya Kwanza government and are prominent figures in the Linda Mwananchi movement, which opposes the alliance.

Other Committee Changes

  • Nominated Senator Crystal Asige shifted from Roads, Transportation and Housing to Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).
  • Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ moved from Energy to ICT Committee.
  • Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian joined ICT, filling the vacancy left by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch’s promotion to Senate Deputy Minority Whip.
  • Lamu Senator Joseph Githuku moved to CPAC from Health Committee.
  • Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana transferred to Roads, Transportation and Housing Committee.
  • Migori Senator Eddy Oketch removed from CPISFC.
  • Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla moved to Health Committee from ICT.
  • Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua assigned to Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism Committee.
  • Nominated Senator Beth Syengo transferred from National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration Committee.

Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo defended the reshuffle as routine, dismissing suggestions it was politically motivated. However, Osotsi described his removal as a "politically motivated witch-hunt" aimed at silencing ODM dissenters who have challenged party leadership and strengthened county financial oversight.

Both CPAC and CPISFC play critical roles in scrutinising county government finances and investments, making the changes significant for parliamentary accountability.

This reshuffle highlights ongoing tensions within ODM and raises questions about the independence of Senate oversight amid shifting political alliances.