Rebel MPs affiliated to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who have opposed the party’s participation in the broad-based government have been removed from influential parliamentary committees in a sweeping reorganisation at the National Assembly.
The changes, seen as a move by the pro-government wing of ODM to crack down on dissent, affected several lawmakers perceived to be critical of the new political arrangement.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was among the most high-profile casualties. Omondi was ejected from the powerful Constitution Implementation and Oversight Committee (CIOC), where he served as chairperson.
His position was taken over by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who is considered a recent supporter of the broad-based government.
Speaking after his removal, Omondi claimed the decision was politically motivated.
“They don’t want me to chair CIOC because I’m going to oversight general elections. They want to rig the elections. That is the reason,” he alleged.
House leadership, however, defended the reshuffle, warning that party discipline would be enforced.
“We have given you a warning. Anyone who will not adhere to the party line, you will end up relinquishing your committee seat to a lesser one so that you get to know that it is the party that rewards people to sit in committees,” said Junet Mohamed, Minority Whip.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi was also removed from the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education and replaced by Kasipul MP Boyd Were.
Leaders allied to the broad-based arrangement described the changes as only the beginning, insisting that committee placements are determined by party leadership.
“When you come here, it is your party that decides which committee you’ll serve in. It’s like the appointment of Cabinet in the Executive,” Junet Mohamed said.
“Those who are masquerading here thinking that they have an entitlement to any committee, we will deal with you thoroughly.”
The reshuffle also affected several allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Naivasha MP Jane Kihara was moved to the Committee on Member Services and Facilities, widely viewed as less influential.
In contrast, MPs who recently realigned themselves with the ruling party were reinstated to more powerful committees. Among them was Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who was moved back to the Constitution Implementation and Oversight Committee from Member Services.
Marakwet East MP Timothy Kipchumba was elevated to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
Juja MP George Koimburi, who recently distanced himself from Gachagua, was also handed two influential committee assignments.
More changes are expected in the Senate as political realignments within and across parties continue to reshape parliamentary leadership.
The developments underscore growing tensions within ODM and signal an escalating battle for control of key legislative oversight roles in the wake of the broad-based government arrangement.
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