A fresh shake-up in the Senate has stripped Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi of influential oversight roles, deepening the political fallout facing leaders who have openly challenged ODM's cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The changes were approved during the latest reconstitution of Senate committees, ending Sifuna's membership in the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) and removing Osotsi as chairperson of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPISFC).
Their removal comes as both senators continue to play leading roles in the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has publicly opposed the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and President William Ruto's administration.
Sifuna has been reassigned to the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee, marking another blow for the Nairobi senator after he was removed last week as Senate Deputy Minority Whip.
The committee reshuffle also saw Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo move into the County Public Accounts Committee, replacing Sifuna and strengthening his presence in one of the Senate's most powerful oversight teams.
Osotsi has been transferred to the Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism Committee after losing the leadership of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during a sitting of the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on May 7, 2026
PHOTO/SENATE
Taita Taveta Senator Johannes Mwaruma, who previously served as vice-chairperson of the County Public Accounts Committee, has been moved to the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee. He is expected to succeed Osotsi as chairperson when members elect new committee leadership today (Wednesday).
The reshuffle has attracted political attention, with claims that it targets lawmakers who have questioned the broad-based government. However, Madzayo dismissed suggestions that the changes were linked to politics.
"This is a normal procedure. It is just that the changes have come at a time when the political temperatures are very high. This is just a coincidence," Madzayo said.
Last week, Osotsi criticised plans to remove him from the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, saying the move was being driven by sections of the ODM leadership together with forces within the Executive.
He argued that his tenure had strengthened financial oversight in counties and defended his performance as committee chairperson.
"My performance has been exceptional. The committee has significantly improved oversight of county funds and these changes are part of a wider purge targeting party rebels," Osotsi said.
Osotsi was earlier removed from his position as ODM deputy party leader.
The County Public Accounts Committee reviews reports prepared by the Auditor General on county governments, while the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee examines the management of county corporations and special funds, placing both among the Senate's most influential oversight committees.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who serves as Minority Whip, also announced additional committee changes. Among them, nominated Senator Crystal Asige was moved from the Roads, Transportation and Housing Committee to the Information, Communication and Technology Committee.