Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has broken his silence after being removed as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip, thanking colleagues for their support while congratulating Migori Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch, who was appointed to take over the role.

Speaking on his X account on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Sifuna acknowledged the cooperation he received from Senate leadership and members during his tenure as Deputy Senate Minority Whip.

“I thank the leadership and members for the cooperation they have given me during my time as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip. I congratulate my young brother Sen. Eddy Oketch for his new role,” Sifuna said.

Senate announces leadership changes

Sifuna’s remarks came shortly after Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced changes to the Minority leadership in the House.

Kingi told senators that he had received correspondence from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo communicating the removal of Sifuna and the election of Oketch as his replacement.

“By a letter dated the 16th of July 2026, I received correspondence from the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Stewart Madzayo, regarding the removal of Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip and the election of Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch to replace him,” Kingi said.

The changes mark another political shift involving Sifuna, who recently ceased serving as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties recognised changes in the party’s leadership.

Sifuna wishes Oketch well

Despite losing the leadership position, Sifuna struck a conciliatory tone, thanking both the Minority and Majority sides of the Senate for working with him during his time in office.

“Honourable Speaker, I take this opportunity to very humbly thank the leadership and the members of the Minority side for the cooperation that they’ve given me. Even the Majority side for the cooperation that they’ve shown me in the time that I have been Deputy Whip,” he said.

He also congratulated Oketch, adding a light moment by reminding him of the responsibilities that come with the new position.

“You remember, Senator Eddy, how many times I have called you as your Whip so that you give us quorum. I am happy that that is now going to be your job, to look for quorum in this House so that we can transact business,” Sifuna said.

Oketch takes up new Senate role

Oketch, the Migori County Senator, will now serve as Deputy Senate Minority Whip following the changes communicated by Madzayo.

The appointment places Oketch in charge of helping coordinate Minority activities in the Senate, including ensuring attendance and supporting the execution of the coalition’s legislative agenda.

The leadership changes come as political parties continue to reorganise their structures ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parliamentary positions increasingly becoming a key area of political strategy.