Several senators allied with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have been removed from key Senate committees following the resumption of Senate sessions after recess.
The affected senators, all members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), are believed to have lost their positions due to their allegiance to Gachagua rather than President William Ruto.
Among those de-whipped are Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, who chaired the Roads and Transport Committee, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who was the Chair of the Education Committee, and Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango, who led the Agriculture Committee.
Gachagua insiders on chopping board
Additionally, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who chaired the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, has also been removed from the committee. Kajiado Senator Lenku Seki, who previously chaired the Trade Committee, has been affected as well, losing his position in the committee.
Meanwhile, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has been removed from the influential Senate Public Accounts Committee.
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Omtatah, who has publicly declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, has been vocal in his opposition to President Ruto.
The removal of these senators from their respective positions was confirmed by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu during a media panel discussion on Thursday, February 13. He attributed the decision to their perceived closeness with Gachagua.
Former DP Allies to Face Purge at the National Assembly
Beyond the Senate, allies of the former Deputy President in the National Assembly are also expected to be ousted from key parliamentary committees.
Among those likely to be affected is Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who currently chairs the Trade Committee. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, a vocal critic of President Ruto and a staunch defender of Gachagua, is also reportedly targeted. She chairs the National Assembly’s Constitution and Implementation Oversight Committee.
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Other MPs on the chopping block include Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who chairs the Budget and Appropriations Committee and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru.
Nyoro has been seen as a fence-sitter by many and has been absent from several of President Ruto’s functions, including the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President.
The move is widely seen as a political shake-up within the ruling party, aimed at consolidating President Ruto’s control ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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