The ongoing political realignments within President William Ruto’s administration have resulted in a significant shake-up in the Senate, with allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua losing key committee positions. At the same time, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has secured chairmanship of five crucial standing committees, further cementing the emerging political alliance between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The reshuffle, which has been in the works for months, saw pro-Gachagua senators removed from influential positions. Among those affected are James Murango (Kirinyaga), Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), John Methu (Nyandarua), Joe Nyutu (Murang’a), and Lenku Seki (Kajiado). Notably, Murango, who chaired the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Committee, lost his seat, while Thang’wa was removed as chairman of the Roads, Transport, and Housing Committee.
Taking to social media, Thang’wa acknowledged the removal, stating, “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.”
Similarly, Methu, who chaired the Land, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee, was ousted, alongside his position in the County Public Accounts Committee. Expressing his sentiments, he said, “The political choice I have consciously made contributes to the stripping. But I bow out with absolutely no regrets.”
Nyutu, who chaired the Education Committee, and Seki, who led the Trade, Industrialisation, and Tourism Committee, were also affected. In addition, Senators Richard Onyonka (Kisii) and Okiya Omtatah (Busia), who have been vocal critics of Ruto’s administration, were removed from the powerful County Public Accounts Committee.
These changes, orchestrated by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, Majority Whip Boni Khalwale, and Minority Whip Ledama Olekina, indicate a broader strategy to consolidate power within the government’s ranks. The move strengthens the emerging Ruto-Raila political deal, which has paved the way for a broad-based government.
This is not the first time political purges have reshaped the Senate. Last year, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua was removed from the Parliamentary Service Commission and replaced by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, reinforcing Kenya Kwanza’s control over the powerful parliamentary body.
As political dynamics continue to shift, the removals highlight the ongoing power struggle within Ruto’s administration and the potential weakening of Gachagua’s influence within government structures. The coming months will reveal how these changes shape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
