This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
On May 12, 2020, Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka approved Jubilee Party leadership changes, paving the way for Samuel Poghisio to replace Kipchumba Murkomen as majority leader.
The changes, which were endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta at a State House meeting on Monday, also saw the ouster of Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika as majority whip, to be replaced by Murang'a's Irungu Kang'ata.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dulo will remain deputy majority leader, while nominated Senator Farhiya Ali replaces Mr Kang'ata.
According to Mr Lusaka, the minutes of the State House meeting showed that 20 senators attended, a majority of the 38 senators in the Jubilee coalition.
Reacting to the changes, Mr Murkomen insisted that it was illegal to make the changes even with the tribunal order, and questioned the number of senators that were at the State House meeting.
“I am okay being removed, Mr Speaker. We just want the law to be followed. Be that as it may, if you decide to disregard the law, I want to thank my colleague senators and my staff who have stood by me,” Mr Murkomen said.
He added: “If I was a stumbling block, let my removal now open doors for the implementation of all decisions that had been pending.”
Mr Murkomen also vowed to return, stating: “You can cheer and celebrate but I will be back. And I will come back big. We are in the morning of our political careers and there will be a brighter future.”
