Butere Member of Parliament (MP) Tindi Mwale has been elected as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) following a competitive election held on Wednesday morning. Mwale, who had been acting as PAC Chair for the last six months since the elevation of John Mbadi to the Cabinet, triumphed over Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo in a race that featured two contestants.
Mwale secured nine votes, surpassing Amolo’s six votes to clinch the influential position. The election also saw Garissa Woman Representative Amina Udgoon elected as the vice-chair, after she defeated Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo.
In his acceptance speech, Mwale expressed gratitude to the members for entrusting him with the role and pledged to work collaboratively to enhance the effectiveness of the committee.
“I thank all members for the opportunity you have given me to be the chair. We shall work together to make the committee vibrant and ensure that accounting officers are up to date,” said Mwale.
Meanwhile, his competitor, Amolo, gracefully accepted the results and thanked those who supported his candidacy.
“I want to thank those who voted for me. Thank you,” said Amolo.
Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi Takes Over Budget and Appropriations Committee
In another significant parliamentary development, Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi was elected as the Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee unopposed. He was the only candidate to submit nomination papers by the deadline, automatically securing the position.
According to Standing Orders, interested members were required to submit nomination forms a day before the election. The presiding clerk confirmed receiving Atandi’s duly filled forms, with his nomination proposed by Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia and seconded by Taveta MP Danson Mwashako.
Atandi succeeds Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who neither defended his seat by the nomination deadline nor attended the election meeting. Endebess MP Robert Pukose was elected vice-chair, having been proposed by Kitui Central MP Mulu Makali and seconded by Atandi.
Upon assuming office, Atandi assured members of his commitment to equitable resource distribution.
“We know the map of the Republic of Kenya and understand that resource sharing affects peace and stability. I will ensure a fair distribution of resources,” Atandi stated.
These appointments mark crucial leadership changes in two of the National Assembly’s most powerful oversight committees, with expectations high for their effectiveness in public accountability and resource allocation.
