Rebels within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) opposed to the broad-based government arrangement were on Tuesday removed from powerful committees in the National Assembly of Kenya and reassigned to less influential dockets.
The reshuffle signals a firm move by the government-leaning faction within ODM to discipline dissenting members.
Caroli Omondi Ousted from CIOC
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was ejected from the powerful Constitution Implementation and Oversight Committee (CIOC), where he had been serving as chairperson.
Omondi, who was recently declared Secretary General of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, was replaced by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, a recent supporter of the broad-based government arrangement.
The changes had been widely anticipated, as tensions escalated within ODM over its role in the political détente.
Ruth Odinga and Other Critics Moved
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga was also affected, being moved from the influential Agriculture Committee to the less lucrative Committee on Members’ Services and Facilities.
Ruth, sister to the late former ODM party leader Raila Odinga, has been vocal in criticising the broad-based government and publicly backed embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi was removed from the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education and replaced by Kasipul MP Boyd Were.
Gachagua Allies Also Affected
Allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were not spared.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara was moved to the Committee on Members’ Services and Facilities in what observers described as a political demotion.
UDA Returnees Reinstated
In contrast, MPs who recently aligned themselves with the ruling side were reinstated to influential committees.
Gathoni Wamuchomba returned to the Constitution Implementation and Oversight Committee from the Members’ Services docket.
Marakwet MP Timothy Kipchumba was reassigned to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, while Juja MP George Koimburi, who recently distanced himself from Gachagua, secured two powerful committee slots.
House leadership indicated that the reshuffle marks just the beginning of broader realignments, with more changes expected at the Senate.
