Gachagua allies axed from key Senate committees in major shake-up

Some senators allied with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have been removed from key Senate committees in what appears to be a major political shake-up within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The move comes amid growing tensions between Gachagua and President William Ruto.

Among those affected is Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, who has been ousted as chairperson of the Senate Roads and Transport Committee. Others removed from key positions include Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who chaired the Education Committee, and Kirinyaga’s James Murango, who led the Agriculture Committee.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has also been removed from the powerful Senate Public Accounts Committee. His ouster comes months after he declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election, vowing to unseat Ruto.

Following his dismissal, Thang’wa confirmed he had anticipated the decision but insisted he remained undeterred.

“I knew it would happen! I expected it! The purge has been effected. I take it like a man and vow to soldier on, unbowed,” he said.

The senator, however, sarcastically thanked UDA for “freeing up his schedule,” claiming that his removal would allow him to serve Kenyans without restrictions.

“Chairing the Roads and Transport Committee at the Senate was great, but I guess progress was just too much to handle—I mean, I just couldn’t keep up with ‘barabara itoke Thika, iende Garissa, ifike Mandera, iende Rhamu, ifike Modagashe, and all that jazz,” he added.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu has also lost his position as chairperson of the Senate Lands, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. He was further removed as a member of the County Public Accounts Committee.

Methu attributed his ouster to his political stance, insisting that his loyalty to Gachagua had cost him his roles. However, he maintained that he had no regrets.

“It was an honour to serve in the house leadership as the chairperson of the Senate’s Lands, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee as well as a member of the County Public Accounts Committee,” Methu said.

“The political choice I have consciously made contributes to the stripping, but I bow out with absolutely no regrets. I thank President William Ruto and his UDA party for giving me an opportunity,” he added.

The latest shake-up, which has seen Gachagua’s allies lose influential positions, signals escalating tensions within UDA. The changes were implemented as the Senate resumed its sittings on February 11 after a two-month recess, with a major reconstitution of the committees taking centre stage.

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