Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been removed as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip following changes announced in the Senate on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Speaker Amason Kingi informed the House that he received a letter dated July 16, 2026, from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo communicating Sifuna’s removal from the leadership position and the election of Migori Senator Eddy Gicheru 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,” Speaker Kingi announced during the Senate sitting.

The latest development comes only days after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties recognized changes in ODM’s leadership that saw Sifuna cease serving as the party’s Secretary-General.

Sifuna’s comment after removal

Despite his removal, Sifuna thanked both the Minority and Majority sides of the Senate for their support during his tenure.

“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 also congratulated his successor, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, while injecting humour into his remarks.

“I congratulate my young brother, the Honourable Senator from Migori, for his new role. 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.”