Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi/HANDOUT
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have been removed from two of the Senate's most influential watchdog committees.
This is in the latest political purge targeting critics of the broad-based government.
The sweeping changes, approved during the reconstitution of Senate committees, saw Sifuna ejected from the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).
Osotsi lost his position as chairperson of the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPISFC).
The two senators have emerged as leading voices in the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has openly opposed ODM's cooperation agreement with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.
Sifuna has been reassigned to the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee, marking another setback for the Nairobi senator after he was removed last week as Senate Deputy Minority Whip.
Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo of Kilifi replaced Sifuna in the prestigious County Public Accounts Committee, further strengthening his influence within the minority leadership.
Osotsi, meanwhile, has been transferred to the Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism Committee after losing his position at the helm of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee.
Taita Taveta Senator Johannes Mwaruma, who previously served as vice-chairperson of CPAC, has been moved to the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee and is expected to succeed Osotsi as its chairperson.
Committee members are expected to elect their chairperson today (Wednesday).
Defending the changes, Madzayo dismissed claims that the reshuffle was politically motivated, insisting the reconstitution of committees was routine.
"This is a normal procedure. It is just that the changes have come at a time when the political temperatures are very high. This is just a coincidence," Madzayo said.
Last week, Osotsi condemned plans to remove him from the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, describing them as a politically motivated witch-hunt orchestrated by sections of the ODM leadership and forces within the Executive.
He maintained that his leadership had strengthened financial oversight of county governments and defended his record as committee chairperson.
"My performance has been exceptional. The committee has significantly improved oversight of county funds and these changes are part of a wider purge targeting party rebels," Osotsi said.
Osotsi was previously removed as ODM deputy party leader.
The County Public Accounts Committee examines reports from the Auditor General on county governments.
The County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee oversees county corporations and special funds, making both among the most influential watchdog committees in Parliament.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, the Minority Whip, announced several other changes across Senate committees.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige was moved from the Roads, Transportation and Housing Committee to the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Committee.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang' was moved from the Energy Committee to the ICT Committee.
Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian was transferred to the ICT Committee to fill the vacancy left by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch following his appointment as Senate Deputy Minority Whip after Sifuna's removal.
Lamu Senator Joseph Githuku was moved from the Health Committee to the County Public Accounts Committee as part of the reorganisation.
Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana was transferred from the Trade and Industrialisation Committee to the Roads, Transportation and Housing Committee.
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who served as Osotsi's vice chairperson, was also removed from the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee.
Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla was moved from the ICT Committee to the Health Committee, while Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua will serve on the Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism Committee.
Nominated Senator Beth Syengo was transferred from the National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration Committee in another change approved by the House.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The removal of Edwin Sifuna and Godfrey Osotsi from key Senate watchdog committees underscores the growing political realignment within ODM and the broad-based government. While party leaders insist the changes are routine, the timing has fuelled perceptions of a purge targeting dissenting voices opposed to the UDA-ODM partnership.
The reshuffle could reshape parliamentary oversight by placing influential accountability committees under leaders viewed as more aligned with the ruling coalition, raising concerns about the Senate's independence in scrutinising county finances and public expenditure.
