Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has been elected as the new chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly, succeeding Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro in a wave of leadership changes.
Atandi will be deputized by Dr. Robert Pukose following a hotly contested but decisive election.
Butere MP Tindi Mwale was re-elected as National Assembly Public Accounts Committee chairperson and will be deputised by Garissa Woman Rep Amina Udgoon.
Atandi expressed gratitude to the broad-based government and his party leader, Raila Odinga, for their unwavering support.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that the committee takes office at a time when several pressing issues have been raised about national budget allocations and appropriations.
“We will do everything possible to live up to the expectations of Kenyans,” he assured.
The election comes just days after a major leadership shakeup in the Senate,
The election comes just days after a major leadership shakeup in the Senate, where at least five chairpersons of departmental committees allied to the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were removed from their positions.
Wednesday’s elections in the National Assembly mirrored a trend, with a similar reshuffle targeting Gachagua-leaning MPs.
The reshuffle is seen as a strategic move to create space for ODM MPs within the broad-based government framework.
This arrangement has resulted in at least five chairperson slots and four vice-chairperson positions being reserved for the opposition.
In the changes moved by National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, several MPs perceived to be loyal to Gachagua were reassigned to less powerful committees.
Among those affected are Githunguri legislator Gathoni Wamuchomba, Roysambu MP Mwafrika Augustine Kamande, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya.
They were moved to the services and facilities committee, responsible for catering services for legislators.
Other notable demotions include Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, Juja MP George Koimburi, and Kajiado North lawmaker Onesmus Ngogoyo, who were all reassigned to the Parliamentary broadcasting and library committee.
Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba, Manyatta legislator John Mukunji, and Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk Gathiru were also moved to the constitution implementation oversight committee from their previous influential roles.
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