A fierce battle for the control of the influential Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), pitting key allies of Raila Odinga against each other. The power struggle is between acting PAC chairman and Butere MP Tindi Mwale and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, with each leader staking a claim to the powerful oversight position.
The row escalated over the weekend in Kakamega, where the two lawmakers clashed publicly in the presence of senior ODM officials. The dispute centers on the leadership vacuum left after former PAC chair John Mbadi was appointed to the Cabinet.
Following Mbadi’s departure, ODM’s central management committee nominated Amisi to take over the position. However, Mwale, who had been serving as vice chair, insists that he should naturally ascend to the chairmanship, having acted in the role for the past six months.
“After the 2022 elections, Raila, having considered my professional qualifications, called me and told me to deputize Mbadi in PAC. Then, by good luck, Mbadi was made Treasury Cabinet Secretary, and now I have been acting as the chairman for six months,” said Mwale.
Mwale accused Amisi of employing underhand tactics to edge him out, arguing that his tenure as acting chair proves he is the right candidate for the job. “Then there are fellow Luhyas moving around lobbying for the same seat as if they are more ODM members than the others. Let us be sincere,” he added.
Amisi, on the other hand, maintains that he was rightfully chosen by the party’s leadership and that attempts to remove him are against the party’s directive. “Raila gave me the seat but if they want to fight me, then there is no problem,” Amisi said.
The public fallout took center stage during an ODM delegates’ meeting in Kakamega, attended by top party officials, including acting party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o, national chairperson Gladys Wanga, and deputy party leaders Godfrey Osotsi and Simba Arati.
PAC holds significant power due to its constitutional role in overseeing government spending. The chairperson wields influence over government ministries and departments, making the position highly sought after.
As the party deliberates on the matter, the standoff between Mwale and Amisi highlights deep divisions within ODM over parliamentary committee leadership, a contest that could shape the party’s internal dynamics ahead of future political battles.
