Raila congratulates ODM MPs after election to chair key NA committees
By Valerian Khakayi, March 13, 2025Raila Odinga has extended his congratulations to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of Parliament (MPs) Samuel Atandi and Tindi Mwale following their election as chairs of various National Assembly committees.
The two leaders, each assuming a crucial role in separate committees, were elected after the National Assembly reconstituted its committees.
“Hon Tindi Mwale, Butere MP and the new chairman of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee paid me a courtesy call today. Congratulations Omwami,” Raila wrote.
Alego Usonga MP Atandi was elected chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, replacing his Kiharu counterpart Ndindi Nyoro.
Speaking after securing the seat, Atandi thanked the broad-based government led by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, saying he is taking over the committee at a time when Kenyans are questioning resource sharing. He says he will make sure that resources benefit all Kenyans equally.
On the other hand, Butere’s Mwale was elected chairperson of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, defeating his closest challenger, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo. Mwale secured nine votes against Amollo’s six.
Raila’s recognition of their achievements serves as an acknowledgement of the party’s continued influence within the National Assembly and its dedication to advancing the nation’s progress.
Nyikal elected
Apart from Atandi and Mwale, other ODM leaders who have been elected to committee leadership include Seme MP James Nyikal, elected unopposed to chair the National Assembly’s departmental committee on health. He replaces Endebess MP Robert Pukose, who joins the Budget Appropriations Committee as the vice chairperson.
Nyikal will be deputized by the Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene.
Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who is now the vice-chairperson of the committee on cohesion, and nominated MP Irene Mayaka, who now chairs the committee on regional integration.
The developments come after President William Ruto and the former prime minister signed a cooperation agreement on March 7, 2025, to stabilize the country and deliver on the Kenya-Kwanza election promises.
While ODM insists the pact is not about the 2027 elections, the new arrangement has resulted in the Orange Party taking up various leadership positions previously reserved for UDA and Kenya-Kwanza coalition partners.
