Sifuna Removed From Energy Committee in Latest Senate Reshuffle Amid Growing ODM Tensions
The changes, announced in the Senate on Wednesday, June 17, were tabled by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot as part of a broader reconstitution of standing committees aimed at reorganising membership across several key parliamentary oversight bodies.
Under the proposed changes, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang has been nominated to replace Sifuna in the Energy Committee, which is chaired by ODM Party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga. The reshuffle effectively ends Sifuna’s tenure in one of the Senate’s most strategic committees, responsible for oversight of the country’s energy sector and related state agencies.
Presenting the notice of motion before the House, Cheruiyot said the changes were being undertaken in accordance with Senate Standing Orders governing committee composition.
“I rise to give notice of the following motion, which is a reconstitution of standing committees that, notwithstanding the resolution of the Senate made on February 12, 2025, is the approval of senators to serve in various committees,” Cheruiyot told the House.
He added: “Pursuant to Standing Orders 197 and 191, the Senate approves the following senators nominated by the Senate Business Committee to serve in the standing committees of the Senate.”
The proposed reorganisation affects several committees beyond Energy. In the Senate ICT Committee, Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu has been nominated to replace Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla, while Garissa Senator Abdul Mohammed Haji has also been moved to the Energy Committee, taking over another slot previously occupied by Ogolla.
In turn, Ogolla has been nominated to serve in the Agriculture Committee, replacing Kajwang following his transfer to the Energy docket.
While committee reshuffles are a routine parliamentary process designed to balance representation and improve efficiency, political observers have pointed to the timing of Sifuna’s removal as likely to trigger debate within ODM circles.
The Nairobi Senator has recently emerged as one of the most vocal critics of ODM’s working relationship with President William Ruto’s administration. His public remarks have often differed from the position adopted by some senior party leaders who support continued cooperation between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Sifuna has particularly been associated with leaders aligned to the “Linda Mwananchi” movement, a faction within ODM that has been pushing for a more independent opposition stance and questioning the party’s engagement with the government.
The faction has on several occasions publicly disagreed with senior ODM figures, including Oburu Odinga, over the party’s strategic direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political analysts note that Senate committees play a critical role in shaping legislation, scrutinising government expenditure, and overseeing the performance of ministries and state corporations. Membership in influential committees often enhances a legislator’s visibility and influence on national policy issues.
The Energy Committee, in particular, oversees matters relating to electricity, petroleum, renewable energy, fuel pricing, and energy regulation—issues that continue to dominate public debate amid rising concerns over the cost of living and energy affordability.
As senators prepare to vote on the proposed changes, attention will remain focused on how the reshuffle could reshape committee operations and whether it signals broader political realignments within Parliament and ODM ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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Sifuna Removed From Energy Committee in Latest Senate Reshuffle Amid Growing ODM Tensions
