Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been elected as the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, replacing Nyeri Senator Wamatinga Wahome in the latest round of committee leadership changes.

This committee oversees matters related to fossil fuel exploration, energy development, production, maintenance, and regulation.

In a statement posted on their X account on February 20, 2025, the Senate announced Oburu’s appointment to the position.

“Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga has been elected unanimously as the Chairman of the the Senate Standing Committee on Energy,” the Senate stated.

Oburu will be deputized by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kipkemoi Kisang.

Other committee members include Tana River Senator Danson Buya Mungatana, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Narok Senator Olekina Ledama, Turkana Senator Ekomwa James Lomenen, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

In a subsequent statement, the Senate also announced the election of Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed and nominated Senator Catherine Mumma as the Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations.

“Sen. Abass Mohamed (Wajir) and Sen. Catherine Mumma (Nominated) unanimously elected as the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations respectively,” the Senate stated on their X account. 

Leadership shake-up in the Senate

Oburu’s election occurs amid a shake-up in Senate leadership, following the recent removal of allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from key committee positions.

Among those affected were Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who lost his seat on the Education Committee, and Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa, who was removed as Chair of the Roads and Transport Committee.

Additionally, Kirinyaga Senator James Murango was removed as Chair of the Agriculture Committee, and Nyandarua Senator John Methu lost his position as Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Taking to his X account on February 13, 2025, Methu expressed no regrets regarding his removal.

“It was an honour to serve in the house leadership as the Chairperson of the Senate’s Lands, Environment and Natural Resources Committee as well as a member of the County Public Accounts Committee. The political choice I have consciously made contributes to the stripping but I bow out with absolutely no regrets,” Methu stated.

Despite the purge, some reassigned senators, including Thangwa, have vowed to remain committed to their legislative roles.

Thangwa, a member of the Devolution Committee, emphasized his commitment to ensuring accountability and securing sufficient funding for all devolved functions from the national government.

“After my removal from the Roads, Transportation, and Housing Committee, I was reassigned to the Devolution Committee. Today, we held our first sitting and where Senator Abbas & Senator Mumma were elected Chair and Vice Chair respectively. With my years of experience in devolution, I am committed to strengthening its implementation, ensuring governors are held accountable, and compelling the national government to fully transfer all devolved functions along with their corresponding resources,” Thangwa said in a statement posted on his X account on February 20, 2025.

Other senators removed from their committee positions include Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, and Kajiado Senator Lenku Seki.