Ruto-Raila camp sweeps Senate leadership as Gachagua allies boycott elections
Gachagua's allies dismissed the elections as a predetermined process.
Senators allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua boycotted Senate committee elections Monday, allowing the legislators from the President William Ruto-Raila Odinga camp to sweep all leadership positions.
The elections, which saw the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) emerge as the biggest winners, confirmed an already-known list of chairpersons and vice chairpersons.
As reported by Daily Nation, Gachagua's allies dismissed the elections as a predetermined process.
Despite their absence, Senate Deputy Majority Whip and Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe closely monitored the exercise to ensure adherence to the predetermined list.
Among those elected was Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, who took over as the Agriculture Committee chairperson, replacing Murango.
ODM scored a major victory when Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki secured the Lands, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee chairmanship, taking over from John Methu (Nyandarua), who was removed from the committee on February 12.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu replaced Lelegwe as vice chair.
Jubilee, which was the first party from the Azimio la Umoja Coalition to shift allegiance after the 2022 elections, secured a vice chair position. Two leadership slots were filled without contest.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi retained his position as vice chair. Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei remained as chair of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, with nominated Senator Veronica Maina replacing Raphael Chimera as vice chair.
West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor was re-elected as Labour and Social Welfare Committee chair, while nominated Senator Crystal Asige (ODM) replaced George Mbugua.
Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute retained the chairmanship of the National Cohesion Committee, with Turkana Senator James Lomenen (Jubilee) stepping in as vice chair, replacing nominated Senator Joyce Korir.
Dissatisfaction
The drama unfolded during the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Committee elections as members expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of the re-elected chairperson, Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang'.
Some members threatened to walk out if he did not improve his leadership.
"Things are not rosy in this committee. We thought that with the reconstitution, things would be better but nothing has changed. Maybe we would have swapped the leaders," said Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator William Chesang'.
"Let the chair be more proactive because it was Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and I who kept the committee alive in the last two and a half years. Osotsi has now left, and I will now be dedicating more of my time as the vice chair of the Energy Committee," he added.
Kwale Senator Boy Issa Juma did not hold back, stating that members were frustrated with Chesang' and were ready to abandon the committee if changes were not made.
"There is a big problem with the committee chair and members did not want to participate in his election. Let the chair call for a meeting to discuss the issues," said Juma.
Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian echoed these sentiments, warning that dissatisfaction among members could impact the committee's effectiveness.
"I will not be pleased to be part of an inactive committee yet ICT is a crucial sector in the country. We want a vibrant committee as many youths are looking up to us because this is a committee that is directly linked to them," she said.
The elections are set to conclude today, with intense competition expected in the National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations Committee.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda is expected to battle Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo for the chairperson position, while Lamu Senator Joseph Githuku is vying for the vice chair position. The committee was previously chaired by former Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who passed away a week ago while receiving treatment.
Other committees slated for elections today include Roads, Transportation, and Housing; Trade and Industrialisation; and Delegated Legislation.
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