Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has been elected as the new chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly, succeeding Vincent Kawaya. His election comes amid a wave of leadership changes that have reshaped key parliamentary committees.
Atandi, a staunch member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), will be deputized by Dr. Robert Pukose. The election was hotly contested but resulted in a decisive victory for Atandi, signaling a broader political realignment within the National Assembly.
In his acceptance speech, Atandi expressed deep gratitude to the broad-based government and his party leader, Raila Odinga, for their unwavering support. “We have reached this place courtesy of their support, and I thank the broad-based government for the opportunity to serve. I also extend my sincere gratitude to my party leader, Raila Odinga,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Atandi emphasized the critical role of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in ensuring equitable national budget allocations. “We will do everything possible to live up to the expectations of Kenyans,” he assured.
His election comes just days after significant leadership changes in the Senate, where at least five chairpersons of departmental committees aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were removed. The National Assembly reshuffle mirrored this trend, with a strategic realignment targeting Gachagua-leaning MPs.
National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro led the changes, which saw several MPs perceived to be loyal to Gachagua reassigned to less influential committees. Notably, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Roysambu MP Mwafrika Augustine Kamande, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya were moved to the Services and Facilities Committee, which handles catering services for legislators.
Other demotions included Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, Juja MP George Koimburi, and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, who were reassigned to the Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library Committee. Additionally, Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba, Manyatta legislator John Mukunji, and Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk Gathiru were moved to the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee from their previous influential roles.
The reshuffle is widely seen as a strategic move to accommodate ODM MPs within the broad-based government framework. This arrangement has resulted in at least five chairperson slots and four vice-chairperson positions being allocated to the opposition, further consolidating ODM’s influence in parliamentary affairs.
