Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro is set to lose his leadership role in the latest reshuffling of the National Assembly’s leadership. This change comes on the heels of a significant agreement reached on Monday, February 17, between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The agreement, which aims to resolve the ongoing crisis in the National Assembly, was forged following a contentious ruling on the majority side. To prevent further paralysis in the House, President Ruto and Raila Odinga decided on new metrics for the distribution of National Assembly committee leadership posts.
This crucial deal was hammered out during a meeting at State House, attended by high-profile government officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot. Representing Raila’s close allies were Senate Minority Leader Steward Madzayo, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, and Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo.
As part of the agreement, President Ruto has agreed to grant Azimio the chairmanship of several key House Committees, a move poised to significantly alter the power dynamics within the National Assembly. Committees such as Budget and Appropriation, Health, Trade and Industry, Labour, and Regional Integration will now see new leadership.
The changes mean significant casualties for some, notably Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who will no longer chair the influential Budget and Appropriation Committee. Similarly, David Gakuya, a close ally of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, will lose his position as head of the Trade and Industry Committee, while Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia will be de-whipped from the Regional Integration Committee.
Raila’s team is set to appoint five new chairpersons for committees of their choice as part of the deal. In a significant concession, Azimio has agreed to drop their plans to table an impeachment motion against National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
A senior lawmaker confirmed the deal, noting, “Yes, as Azimio, we have a deal with Kenya Kwanza on the leadership positions. More details will be there tomorrow (today). We have not decided on whom to give the positions, but we will discuss as a coalition after wide consultations and ensure the best occupy them.”
This agreement marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political landscape, promising to reshape the National Assembly’s leadership and foster a new era of collaboration between Kenya’s leading political forces.
