This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Power Shift in National Assembly Committees ¶
July 17, 2020 - The National Assembly has witnessed a significant power shift, with Uhuru and Raila loyalists taking control of key committees. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has emerged as a major beneficiary, thanks to its leader Raila Odinga's close working ties with Jubilee's boss President Uhuru Kenyatta.
ODM has bagged seven National Assembly committees chairmanship, some of which were previously held by Tanga Tanga politicians. The party's loyalists have been installed in key positions to push the Building Bridges Initiative agenda (BBI).
Before the leadership changes, Ruto's Tanga Tanga members enjoyed and sat in committees on Delegated Legislation, Justice and Legal Affairs, Budget and Appropriation among others. However, with the changes, these powerful dockets have been handed to pro-handshake MPs, while those perceived to be BBI critics have been relegated to less lucrative positions.
Deputy President William Ruto's allies, including Uasin Gishu woman representative Gladys Boss Shollei, were among those stripped of House roles. Ruto reacted to the changes on July 16, urging MPs to work together in serving the people.
Committee Chairs and Deputies ¶
- Finance and National Planning - Gladys Wanga, Isaac Ndirangu
- Health - Sabina Chege, Joshua Kutuny
- Justice and Legal Affairs - Clement Muturi Kigano, Otiende Amollo
- Labour and social welfare - Peter Mwathi, Gideon Koske Kimutai
- Lands - Rachael Nyamai, Khatib Mwashetani
- Transport - David Pkosing, Gathoni Wamuchomba
- Public Accounts - Opiyo Wandayi, Jessica Nduku
- Public Investments - Abdullswamad Nassir, Ahmed Abdisalan
- Budget and Appropriation - Kanini Kega, Moses Lessonet
- Special Funds Accounts - Kathuri Murungi, William Chepkut
- Delegated Legislation - William Kamket, Charles Muriuki
- Constitutional Implementation Oversight - Jeremiah Kioni, Opondo Kaluma
- Members Service and Facilities - Ezekiel Machogu, Swarup Mishra
- National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity - Maina Kamanda, Gideon Mulyungi
- Committee on Implementation - Richard Moitalel, Godfrey Osotsi
- Trade, Industry and Cooperatives - Adan Haji Ali, Ruth Mwaniki
- Agriculture and Livestock - Silas Tirem, Catherine Waruguru
- Communication and Information - William Kipkemoi, Jane Wanjuki Njiru
- Defense and Foreign Relations - Katoo Ole Metito, Richard Tongi
- Education and Research - Florence Mwikali Mutua, Wambugu Ngunjiri
- Energy - David Gikaria, Gladwell Cheruiyot
